EUAA and FRA: New practical tools support guardians of unaccompanied children in asylum procedures

The joint series brings together four complementary guides covering temporary protection, introduction to international protection, the asylum procedure and transnational procedures. Two of these tools have now been updated to include the new instruments under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. These latest publications in the series are:

• Practical Tool for Guardians: The asylum procedure, which supports guardians, as well as trained individuals temporarily acting as guardians, in assisting children during the screening phase and throughout the asylum procedure.
• Practical Tool for Guardians: Introduction to international protection which helps newly appointed guardians understand the concept of international protection, the different forms of protection that may be granted through the asylum procedure, and the rights of children throughout the process.

Well-functioning guardianship systems are central to safeguarding the best interests of the child. Guardians play an essential role in ensuring that children's legal, social, medical and psychological needs are addressed throughout the procedure and until a durable solution is found.

By strengthening the knowledge and capacity of guardians, these joint tools contribute to consistent, rights-based support for unaccompanied children across EU Member States. The tools provide guidance on the legal and procedural frameworks governing asylum and migration, including legislative instruments introduced by the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. This enables guardians to effectively represent unaccompanied children seeking or benefiting from international protection.

FRA and the European Commission are also updating the Handbook on guardianship for children deprived of parental care to incorporate the Pact's instruments, with a revised edition expected in the autumn of 2026.