Starting from 25 March 2027, the European Court of Human Rights will be able to appoint, in certain special circumstances, an independent representative for a child applicant and, exceptionally, for a third party who is a child.
The change follows amendments introduced to the Rules of Court (Rules 36 and 44) and represents a significant and positive step forward to ensure that the child’s best interests are prioritised throughout the procedure. In particular, it will help ensure that children’s views are heard, that they receive information relevant to the procedure affecting them, and that their rights and needs are addressed.
The amendments were adopted following a consultation process with the Governments of the members, Bar associations, non-governmental and other organisations.
The forthcoming guidelines (a Practice Direction) will clarify how the new arrangements will operate in practice and will be issued by the President of the Court before the amendments come into force.
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