Originally published in 2018 and updated in 2024 defines the EU’s global approach to protecting children affected by wars. These guidelines are intended to serve as a practical tool to direct and assist EU actors throughout the world in their work on children and armed conflict, including other situations of armed violence by state and non-state actors, such as terrorist organisations and organised criminal groups.
The updated guidelines will strengthen the EU’s contribution to the respect, protection and fulfilment of the rights of children in armed conflict and other situations of armed violence by terrorist organisations or organised criminal groups. This update strengthens the EU's ability to protect the rights and well-being of children throughout the conflict cycle, seeking to enhance prevention and post-conflict support and empowerment, as well as strengthening perpetrator accountability for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
