Refugee and migrant children in Europe

Abstract

This document provides a final overview of the implementation of the Council of Europe Action Plan on Protecting Refugee and Migrant Children in Europe (2017-2019), taking stock of achievements since its adoption by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe at its 127th meeting in Nicosia (Cyprus) on 19 May 2017.The implementation of the Action Plan has been apriority area for the Organisationand has proven its pertinence in addressing the challenges documented throughout Europe.The objectives of the Action Plan have been largely attainedwith achievements such as Committee of Ministers’recommendations, practical guidance and dissemination of good practices.In addition to its envisaged activities, it has triggered the development and implementation of newcourses and additional co-operation activities. For policy-makers, the results of the Action Plan provide guidance and examples on how to achieve the effective protection of refugee and migrant children. The outputs ofthe Action Plan enable professionals to use a child-friendly approach in their migration-related work involving children and help them to acquire an in-depth understanding of the multi-disciplinary measures required for addressing the situation of children in migration. Its transversal approach –secured by the co-ordinating role of the Special Representative on Migration and Refugees –has streamlined the efforts of the Organisation and has fostered in-house co-operation between 19 divisions and entitiesfor a solid and coherent response aimed atprotecting children in migration. The Action Plan initiatives have also supportedmember states in addressing the recommendations of monitoring bodies and fact-finding mission reports of the Special Representative. The Action Plan has been a useful communication tool to highlightthe role of the Council of Europe in promoting human rights in the context of migration. The initiatives undertaken contribute to the objectives of the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderlyand Regular Migration and the UN Global Compact on Refugees. They also indirectly contribute to the realisation of several of the European Commission’sgoals in theCommunication on the protection of children in migration. The implementation of the ActionPlanhas demonstratedexamples of thematic co-operation with other international partners. Theseneed to be further pursued and reinforced