Children's Rights

The Council of Europe protects and promotes the human rights of everyone, including children. Based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the European Convention on Human Rights and other legal standards, the Council of Europe promotes and protects the rights of 150 million children in Europe.

Children's rights in the Southern Mediterranean

In the context of the political and economic reforms which have been taking place in the Southern Mediterranean over the last years, several countries in the region have expressed their interest in strengthening co-operation with the Council of Europe, notably in terms of child rights promotion and protection as specified in the Neighborhood Partnership priorities established with Morocco Neighbourhood partnership with Morocco, Tunisia Neighbourhood partnership with Tunisia, and Jordan Neighbourhood Partnership with Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

As such, relevant Council of Europe experience and expertise is made available as appropriate so as to further strengthen the reform process. This is based on the needs and priorities identified by and with the countries’ national authorities in areas where Council of Europe input can represent an added value.

Several actions have been organised to date, such as supporting the drafting and implementation of child protection integrated policies, child rights laws and thematic strategies (eg. children and new technologies, child participation); assisting in developing skills and expanding knowledge of national authorities, media representatives, lawyers, parents, children, trainers and educators, notably on child sexual abuse and exploitation; facilitating exchange of experiences and development of contacts at national, regional and international level; translating and adapting pertinent materials and tools.

 More about the Southern Neighbourhood co-operation