EUROPE | Council of Europe presents action plan on protecting refugee and migrant children

The mass arrivals in Europe of people fleeing from danger in their countries put children in a very vulnerable situation. They are exposed to the risk of physical violence, sexual abuse and psychological suffering in addition to material hardship. Whether they are refugees or migrants, children are at the centre of all Council of Europe actions involving migratory issues.

Council of Europe Action Plan on Protecting Refugee and Migrant Children in Europe (2017-2019) complements the work of other international institutions such as the UNHCR, UNICEF, WHO and the EU and concentrates on the norms and added values of the Council of Europe.

The document focuses on procedures and best practices of the three following issues: access to education and appropriate shelter; protection from all kinds of violence – including trafficking and sexual exploitation – and successful integration into the society of the host country.

This Action Plan is a Council of Europe contribution to two global compacts on refugees and for safe, orderly and regular migration, which are due to be adopted in 2018.

Source: Council of Europe (CoE)