The objective of the document is to present the policy and practice necessary to implement measures ensuring the promotion and protection of the rights of children separated from parents in Europe.
These are children below 18 who live outside their country of birth and are separated from both parents or their legal guardian.
These children are entitled to international protection in line with a series of international and regional instruments. They may seek asylum due to fear of persecution or lack of protection due to violations of human rights, an armed conflict or unrest in their country of origin.
These children may also be victims of human trafficking or children who come to Europe from hard necessity, the chief of the UNHCR Office in Croatia, Catharine Bertrand, said.