Practical Tool for Guardians — Introduction to international protection - Cover
29
June
2026

Practical Tool for Guardians - Introduction to international protection


This guidance is for newly appointed guardians supporting a child who is applying for or has obtained international protection. It explains key terms, such as refugee status and subsidiary protection, as well as the legal framework for children’s rights in this context. The guidance also covers how to ensure the child’s participation and best interests during the asylum procedure. It is part of a series of practical tools developed by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) for guardians of unaccompanied children with international protection needs.
Overview

This tool focuses on introduction to international protection.

It aims at introducing newly appointed guardians to the concept of international protection, possible forms of protection recognised through the asylum procedure, the relevant legal framework and the related rights of the child. 

The tool is structured in four parts: 

  1. What is international protection? 
    This chapter compiles the basic definitions included in international and EU law and provides a general overview about refugee status and subsidiary protection status.
     
  2. What are the legal principles in international protection? 
    This chapter explains the principles of non-refoulement, the right to apply for asylum, the right to life and the prohibition of torture.
     
  3. What is the legal framework related to the rights of the child? 
    This chapter details the principles and key rights in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and their connection with international protection. 
     
  4. What do I need as a guardian to support the child? 
    This chapter provides guidance to the guardian on key elements to consider when supporting children in accessing international protection and the rights stemming from it.

The tool provides hyperlinks to additional resources and information on international protection.