The Children’s Rights Coordinators provide the link between the Council of Europe’s Programme “Building a Europe for and with Children” and the key actors in the field of children’s rights at national level. The National Coordinators are government officials responsible for children’s rights issues or policies at national and/or international level. Governments can also consider entrusting this role to independent institutions, provided that the person appointed can effectively play the role.

The role and key functions of the coordinators include the following:

National level

  • Acting as a link between the Council of Europe’s Programme “Building a Europe for and with Children” and the actors (government, parliament, local and regional authorities, civil society, private sector) processes and mechanisms (commissions, working groups, networks) and processes ( annual events, hearings, consultations ) which are relevant for the promotion and protection of children’s rights at national level;
  • Promoting international and Council of Europe standards with a view to bridge gaps between legislation, policies and practices in each respective country;
  • Contributing to the dissemination and implementation of the principles and strategic priorities of the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child 2016-2021 at national level

At European level

  • Providing advice and expertise, in particular on the implementation of the current Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child 2016-2021 and to the Committee of experts on the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child-2016-2019 (DECSENF);
  • Acting as a source of information, inspiration and expertise for the cooperation programmes and activities of the Council of Europe on children’s right’s;
  • Keeping international partners (such as the network of coordinators, Council of Europe and other relevant international organisations) informed of children‘s rights developments in their respective country and where appropriate, engage in joint actions with other members of the network;
  • Contribute to and participate in thematic meetings, conferences and seminars of the Network (organised by the Council of Europe) for the purpose of exchanging experiences and national practices.