Background information
Children beneficiaries of international protection in the European Union have specific rights to education that are protected and outlined by various EU directives and regulations.
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) guarantees the right to education for everyone, including the right to compulsory education. This applies to all children, regardless of their legal status, encompassing those under international protection (Article 14 CFREU).
Based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), states parties recognise the right of the child to education and must progressively ensure that this right is exercised (Article 28). Additionally, state parties must take appropriate measures to ensure that a child who is seeking refugee status or who is considered a refugee receives appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance (Article 22).
The qualification directive (2011/95/EU), (QD), emphasises that Member States must grant full access to the education system to all minors granted international protection, under the same conditions as nationals (Article 27(1) QD). Access to education for children must actually start during their asylum procedure as regulated by the RCD (recast), which outlines the right of children applicants for international protection to access the education system under similar conditions as EU nationals. It emphasises that education should not be postponed for more than 3 months from the date the application for international protection is lodged (Article 14 RCD (recast)).
Children should have access to preparatory classes, including language classes, to facilitate their enrolment in the educational system. This support should be complemented by providing school materials, internet access, and school transportation. Such assistance should begin during the stay in reception phase, as per the EUAA Guidance on Vulnerability in Reception and Asylum: Operational Standards and Indicators, 2024 (Standard 28).
Information provision messages
Inform children beneficiaries of international protection on the below.
- Education as a universal right for all children, regardless of their background or status.
- Their rights in the educational system, including the right to a safe and inclusive learning environment. Emphasise that discrimination is not tolerated and that all children are equal and should be protected from harm.
- The mandatory participation in the educational system up to a certain level and the minimum age for compulsory schooling.
- The main aspects of enrolment in the educational system, including the need to attend language and orientation courses or registering in the preparatory classes before formal enrolment.
- The available adapted educational options for children with special needs or in vulnerable situations (e.g. special schools, volunteers who could support with homework, transportation facilities)
- Available educational resources such as material support (e.g. school supplies, transportation, clothing), digital resources (e.g. online courses), libraries, and community centres.
- Available support services for enrolment and after-school opportunities; provide contact details for these services.
- Students' responsibilities, such as attending classes regularly and respecting school rules and policies.
- The parents’ responsibility to support the education of their children and cooperate with their schools.
- The availability of psychosocial support services, either within the school system or outside such as counselling and mental health support. Encourage them to seek help if they face difficulties adjusting to the new educational, social, or cultural environment, or if they experience discrimination.
- Available extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports teams, and other after-school programmes. Emphasise the importance of participating in extracurricular activities to build social connections and improve language skills.
- Existing financial assistance programmes, grants and scholarships available for children beneficiaries of international protection.
Additionally, parents or relatives who are responsible for child beneficiaries of international protection should receive adequate information regarding the importance of and mandatory access to education for children, the enrolment process, facilities and support available to children enrolled in school (e.g. transportation, school supplies), afterschool options and more.
Practical tips
- Organise interactive workshops and Q&A sessions for children. Consider using storytelling, testimonials and role-playing to convey messages effectively.
- Collaborate with schools and community centres when drafting and delivering information to children. Arrange open school days for children benefiting from international protection and their parents to visit local schools, understand the system, receive information, and have their questions answered by teachers.
- Encourage parents or guardians to be involved in their children's education by attending parent-teacher meetings and school events. Additionally, provide information on parent support groups and community organisations who provide assistance and support.