Advocate for the child
The
guardian acts as an advocate for the rights of the child and as a link between
the child and the state authorities, service providers and other actors
involved. When acting as a link, the guardian represents the views and
interests of the child vis-à-vis different authorities and services and keeps
the child informed at all times. This role of the guardian is essential to
enable a child-centred and rights-based approach.
As
an advocate, the guardian defends the rights and interests of the child,
ensures that all measures and decisions comply with the rights and the best
interests of the child and promotes the child’s participation and development
in accordance with international, European and national law. Acting as an
advocate may require the guardian to take position in complex and difficult
situations where different legal standards and interests could be in conflict.
See
also:
Level 1: Child rights principles
Level 6: Promoting the rights and the best interests of the child
References:
EU training and learning platform for guardians of
unaccompanied children
Chapter 3: Supporting the child from arrival to durable solution
Literature:
Council of Europe, Committee of Ministers
(2019), Effective guardianship for unaccompanied and separated children in the context of migration, Recommendation
CM/Rec(2019)11 of the Committee of Ministers, 11 December 2019.
Defence for Children – ECPAT The Netherlands
(2011), Core standards for guardiansof separated children in Europe, Goals for guardians and
authorities, Leiden. Reference text for handout: 10 Core
Standards for Children.
FRA (European Agency for Fundamental Rights)
(2014), Guardianship for children deprived of parental care, A handbook to reinforce guardianship systems to
cater for the specific needs of child victims of trafficking, Luxembourg, Publications
Office of the European Union (Publications Office).
United Nations (UN), Committee on the Rights of the
Child (2005), General Comment No. 6 (2005), Treatment of
unaccompanied and separated children outside their country of origin,
CRC/GC/2005, 1 September 2005.