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EU Network for Children’s Rights

A network to reinforce the dialogue and mutual learning between the EU and Member States on children’s rights.

The Network – what is it?

On 24 March 2021, the European Commission adopted the EU Strategy on the rights of the child. Among other actions, the Commission committed to establish the EU Network for Children’s Rights (‘the network”). It was officially launched on 31 March 2022 by Vice-President Šuica.

The network’s objective is to boost the exchange of information, good practices and mutual learning among EU Member States, the Commission and relevant stakeholders working on the rights of the child. It will build on the work of the existing informal expert group on the rights of the child. 
The activities of the network will include among others:
•    meetings on-line and offline, for a broader audience, as well as smaller groups dedicated to specific topics of interest for some stakeholders only. These meetings could be also called on an ad hoc basis for brainstorming, celebrating events, discussing research or a study;
•    study / peer visits aimed at sharing good practices; 
•    small studies and research activities;
•    training activities.

Who composes the network?

Representatives of national authorities will be permanent members of the network. A separate process for the nomination of the national representatives is on-going. The Commission will invite representatives from international and non-governmental organisations, local and regional authorities, Ombudspersons for children, academics and researchers, as well as children representing child rights organisations, to join selected activities of the network. 
The Commission is opening a call for expression of interest to collect relevant information about interested organisations and their expertise. The Commission will then associate specific organisations to selected activities of the network. Such activities may take place either in Brussels (Belgium) or in another Member State.

What are the working methods of the Network?

For each of the meetings/activities of the Network, DG JUST will invite selected organisations based on their reply to the call for expression of interest, in addition to the Member States representatives.
The group shall be chaired by a representative of DG JUST.
Organisations shall nominate their representatives. They will be invited by the Chair to take part in the discussions and activities of the group and provide expertise. However, they shall not have voting rights (for example as regards the adoption of the work programme of the Network).
As a general rule, working documents will be drafted in English and meetings will be also conducted in English.
Participants in the activities of the group shall not be remunerated for the services they offer. Travel, accomodation and catering shall be covered by the Commission, in accordance with the provisions in force within the Commission and within the limits of the available appropriations allocated to the Commission departments under the annual procedure for the allocation of resources.
Registration in the Transparency Register is required in order for individuals representing a common interest or organisations to be appointed.

The network is registered as a Special group of the Commission with the number S22900.

Meetings of the Network

1st Meeting of the EU Network for children's rights (31 March 2022)

2nd Meeting of the EU Network for children's rights ( 16 March 2023)

 

Documents

General publications7 March 2023
Rules of procedure – EU Network for children’s rights
English
(193.17 KB - PDF)
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10 DECEMBER 2021
Privacy Statement - EU Network for Children’s Rights - Call expression of interest
English
(746.17 KB - PDF)
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