The brief examines how children become involved in civil court proceedings—such as custody, guardianship, adoption, and cross-border family disputes—and emphasizes that these processes have major and long-lasting consequences for a child’s identity, development and well-being. It highlights how many legal systems currently fail to ensure children’s meaningful participation, to consistently apply the “best interests of the child” principle, or to provide child-friendly, non-discriminatory justice in civil matters. The document reviews relevant international standards and conventions, outlines key gaps in national laws and practice, and makes recommendations for legal reform, institutional strengthening and procedural safeguards to make civil justice systems more protective of children’s rights.
