More than 25 years ago, world leaders made a promise to children: to ensure their right to survive, develop, be protected and participate in decisions that affect their lives. This promise is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and endorsed by every Member State. 

But despite considerable progress, today this promise remains unfulfilled for millions of children who continue to experience violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect – often from people they know and trust.  These harms threaten not only their safety, but their ability to learn, develop and take part in society. 

Protecting children from harm is central to everything Plan International does. We work to ensure the EU turns its commitments into concrete action in external policy, funding and practice.  

Child-protection systems

Lasting protection for children requires more than isolated interventions. It depends on strong child protection systems that prevent harm, respond effectively when abuse occurs, and support children to recover and thrive in all contexts, including crises and conflict. 

We advocate for a systems-based approach that connects laws, services, communities, and institutions, and places children’s rights at the centre of EU external action. 

Our calls to the EU

• The EU must prioritise the protection and promotion of children’s rights in its external action, in line with the Human Rights Action Plan, through both funding and political dialogue with partner countries.  
• The EU should adopt a systems-based approach to child protection in all contexts, including conflict and disaster settings, to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against children. 
• The EU must use its influence to call on governments to invest in child protection systems, alongside issue specific interventions, and strengthen the capacity of child protection actors. 
• EU institutions must receive training and capacity-building in child protection, so staff at every level can promote and apply a systems-based approach. 
• Actions under the Human Rights Action Plan must be supported with adequate funding, and all Human Rights Country Strategies must translate commitments into practice, considering specific local realities.