At the initiative of Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding, the EU executive decided, on 11 June, to sound out the public, as well as institutions, associations and experts, on ways to better protect the rights of children at EU level. Several aspects are covered: access to justice adapted to minors, violence, exploitation and trafficking in human beings.

“Children often find themselves in difficult situations in today’s world - whether as internet users, migrants or as witnesses at a trial. Their rights must be protected and promoted,” said Reding in a communiqué. This initiative seeks to complete a strategy adopted by the EU executive back in 2006 to integrate children’s rights in all EU policies.

Upon the conclusion of the consultation, the Commission intends to draw up a report and a communication on the rights of children for the period 2011-2014. In parallel, the Commission will conduct a study - whose publication is scheduled for October - aimed in particular to obtain feedback from the children themselves.

The EU already has several schemes and programmes in place to protect the rights of children, such as the missing children hotline 116 000 or the ‘Safer Internet’ programme, which in its latest form aims to empower children to deal with online dangers like bullying and grooming.

The consultation is available, until 20 August, at ec.europa.eu/justice_home/news/consulting_public/news_consulting_public_en.htm