News

The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) have published the updated practical tools for guardians of unaccompanied children with international protection needs. The tools are part of a joint series designed to support guardians in their daily responsibilities throughout asylum and related procedures, including those under the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation and temporary protection.

The series brings together four complementary guides covering temporary protection, introduction to international protection, the asylum procedure and transnational procedures. Together, they aim to help guardians better inform and assist children, strengthening their understanding of the different procedural steps and supporting their meaningful participation and ability to make informed decisions.

Well-functioning guardianship systems are central to safeguarding the best interests of the child. Guardians play an essential role in ensuring that legal, social, medical and psychological needs are addressed throughout the procedure and until a durable solution is found.

The two latest publications in the series are:

• Practical Tool for Guardians: The asylum procedure
• Practical Tool for Guardians: Introduction to international protection

The Asylum procedure tool supports guardians, as well as trained individuals temporarily acting as guardians, in assisting children during the screening phase and throughout the asylum procedure.

The Introduction to International Protection Tool helps newly appointed guardians understand the concept of international protection, the different forms of protection that may be granted through the asylum procedure, and the rights of children throughout the process.

By strengthening the knowledge and capacity of guardians, these tools aim to promote consistent, rights-based support for unaccompanied children across EU Member States. They are designed to help guardians navigate the evolving legal and procedural frameworks governing asylum and migration, including legislative instruments introduced by the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, enabling them to effectively represent and support unaccompanied children seeking or benefiting from international protection.