CGU priority topics explored so far
Access to quality education
The CGU works with Council of Europe member states to improve access to in-person schooling for children of Ukraine by identifying common challenges, promoting inclusive policies, and sharing successful national approaches. Efforts focus on ensuring that every child can access quality education, regardless of displacement.
Key documents and supporting materials
- Mapping study on children of Ukraine’s access to education in Council of Europe member states
- Access to education for children of Ukraine in Europe: time to move from emergency response to long-term solutions, says Council of Europe study
- Report of the Mid-Term Review Conference of the Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2022-2027)
- Ministery of Education and Science of Ukraine’s leaflets: Educational opportunities for Ukrainian children abroad (EN / UA)
Risks of human trafficking
The CGU aims to strengthen prevention and protection measures against human trafficking of children of Ukraine by mapping emerging risks, fostering co-operation between governments and civil society, and support co-ordinated strategies to combat sexual and labour exploitation.
Key documents and dupporting materials
- Special hearing report on understanding the risks of trafficking of children of Ukraine, including for the purposes of sexual and labour exploitation
- Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine discusses the risks of trafficking of Ukrainian children including for the purposes of sexual and labour exploitation
- Understanding the risks of trafficking: a crucial step in protecting children of Ukraine
Pre-conditions for the safe return to Ukraine from Council of Europe member states
The CGU supports host states and Ukrainian authorities in ensuring that any return of children back to Ukraine is voluntary, safe, and in their best interests. Work includes developing practical tools, promoting structured co-operation, and reinforcing safeguards through shared standards and clear responsibilities.
Key documents and supporting materials
- Special thematic hearing: Preconditions for the safe return of children of Ukraine from Council of Europe member states
- Checklist for Host States
- Coordination Information Form
- Mapping Study on the Practice of Establishing Focal Points Coordinating All Actions and Decisions Concerning the Children of Ukraine
Impact of war on children with disabilities
The CGU raises awareness on the protection of children with disabilities in times of crisis, advocating for sustained collaboration, informed planning, and inclusive, rights-based responses. By engaging diverse stakeholders and promoting inclusive policies, the CGU works to ensure these children are safeguarded from harm and discrimination both during emergencies and beyond.
Key documents and supporting materials
- Mapping Study for the Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine’s (CGU) Special Thematic Hearing on the Impact of War on Children with Disabilities: Risks, Challenges and Ways to Mitigate Harm
- Safeguarding the rights of the Children of Ukraine: progress and future actions
- High-level conference on the situation of the children of Ukraine: Council of Europe Actions
Ukraine’s Better Care Reform
The CGU facilitates technical co-operation between Ukraine and host states to strengthen family-based care systems. By connecting practitioners, sharing good practice examples, and supporting reforms, the CGU helps build a co-ordinated, child-centred protection framework.
Transnational procedures and guardianship
The CGU enhances cross-border co-ordination and promotes international and European standards for protecting the rights of children of Ukraine in matters of transnational child protection and guardianship. Activities include identifying and addressing gaps and promoting children’s rights-based child protection standards.
Key documents and supporting materials
CGU Deliverables published on Children from Ukraine – civil judicial cooperation prepared by the European Judicial Network:
Psycho-social support and trauma-informed care
The CGU promotes coordinated, rights-based mental health and psycho-social support by providing technical support materials to professionals, including journalists covering stories involving children, to implement trauma-informed practices, strengthening community resilience, and addressing the needs of children affected by displacement or unlawful deportation.
Key documents and supporting materials
- Manual For Professionals: Mental health and psycho-social support for children In crisis and emergency situations (in English, Arabic)
- Council of Europe launches new manual for professionals to support children’s mental health in crisis and emergency situations
