Home EASO Practical guide on the best interests of the child in asylum procedures Legal framework Soft-law instruments Table of contents Table of Contents List of abbreviations Introduction Terminology 1. Background and elements of the best interests of the child 1.1 A child-rights approach 1.2 Unpacking the concept of ‘primary consideration’ 1.3 Multidisciplinary and objective nature 1.4 Best-interests processes 1.5 The child’s best interests and the right to be heard 1.6 Balancing the elements of the best interests of the child 2. Procedural safeguards 2.1 Safety, qualified staff, application 2.2 Registration, prioritisation, exemption 2.3 Legal representation, legal advice, provision of information and interpretation 2.4 Hearing the child’s views and child participation 2.5 Establishment of the facts, documenting the best interests, family unity 2.6 Assessment of the child's application, recommendations on the best interests, remedy 2.7 Safeguards not in place 3. Implementing the best interests of the child in practice 3.1 Cooperation with child protection services Ensuring access to other rights 3.2 Putting procedural safeguards in place Information to be collected and documented 3.3 The individual circumstances of the child 3.4 Potential heightened risks and vulnerabilities 3.5 Different procedural pathways Dublin Regulation Accelerated and border procedures Other procedural pathways 3.6 Appointing relative/accompanying adult as caregiver/guardian 4. Vulnerability and risk indicators for children 4.1. Children accompanied by parents 4.2. Separated children 4.3. Married children 4.4. Child victims of trafficking 4.5. Other types of vulnerability assessment Best interests template Policy and guidance documents Legal framework International legislation EU legislation Soft-law instruments Bibliography Citation Please cite as: EUAA, 'Soft-law instruments' in EASO Practical guide on the best interests of the child in asylum procedures, January 2022. Copy Share Print Book traversal links for Soft-law instruments Previous Parent Next
