definition for: #europe4children

Many children in Europe living beyond the European Union (EU) remain among the most socially and economically vulnerable groups in the region. Adversely affected by economic recession, growing poverty and reduced opportunities, vulnerable children and young people are made increasingly tangential to the EU?s plans for security, democracy and economic prosperity. Increasing numbers of children are susceptible to circumstances of violence, abuse and neglect. Children residing in residential institutions, children in the labour force, children with disabilities and special needs, children ?home alone? as a result of migrant parents, children in conflict with the law, children subject to domestic violence and children subject to trafficking and exploitation all represent children and young people who are predisposed to life without the richness of opportunity and choice that democracy should afford. Coherent and urgent efforts from governments, civil society and international stakeholders are required to respond to child vulnerability and address child protection challenges in Europe beyond the EU.