Behind every unaccompanied or separated child is a story of separation, loss and often a difficult journey undertaken without the support of parents or other caregivers. Their vulnerability can expose them to serious risks of exploitation, including human trafficking and other forms of abuse.
These realities make it all the more important that unaccompanied children are identified, protected and supported from the moment they come into contact with the authorities. This is why guardianship matters in asylum procedures under the Pact on Migration and Asylum (“Pact”).
A guardian can be the first adult in a child’s new reality who is there for the child’s wellbeing – to listen, to explain, to advocate and to accompany. No child should navigate an asylum or return procedure alone, without having someone who can help them understand what is at stake and who can ensure that their best interests remain at the centre of decisions affecting them.
Since its initial publication, this handbook has been an important reference for guardianship systems for unaccompanied children across the European Union (EU). It has supported national authorities, practitioners and policymakers in upholding the rights of some of the most vulnerable children, in line with EU law and international standards.
This updated edition comes at a pivotal moment. The entry into application of the Pact in June 2026 marks an important step towards a more comprehensive framework for migration and asylum across the Union. It aims to prevent abuse of the asylum system, including through measures addressing misuse of provisions concerning unaccompanied children, and reinforce public trust in its functioning.
The new framework provides an opportunity for Member States to further strengthen guardianship systems. Legal standards can only make a difference when they are supported by the qualified professionals who put them into practice – guardians, social workers and child protection practitioners. This handbook is intended as a practical tool to support them in their demanding work.
We encourage all Member States and stakeholders to make use of this updated handbook and to translate the Pact into practice, ensuring that unaccompanied and separated children receive the care, protection and representation they need. A suitable durable solution should be ultimately determined on the basis of the child’s best interests, including reunification with their parents and reintegration into their family. Until then, every child should have a trusted person by their side, to provide safety, patience and support when they need it most.