When the State Doesn’t Care: A guide to accessing justice for violations of children’s rights in care institutions in Eastern and Southeastern Europe and the Caucasus

Neglect and abuse of children in care institutions in Eastern and Southeastern Europe and the Caucasus has been well researched and documented. Governments have known for decades, yet few victims have received redress for the harm suffered. And when the child’s guardian, the State, is the perpetrator of violations against them, they face even greater barriers to accessing justice.

This guide aims to provide advocates with the information to access the legal and practical tools needed to secure and end to, and compensation for, violations of rights suffered while in institutional care.

The Child Rights International Network (CRIN) is a global research, policy, and advocacy organization whose work is grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This guide was published as a practical tool for practitioners but should not be interpreted as a source of legal advice, writes CRIN.