A threefold concept: a right, a principle and a rule of procedure based on the assessment of all elements of a child’s or children’s interests in a specific situation both in the public and private sphere which must be determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration their personal context, situation and need. Accordingly, the concept of the best interests of the child is flexible and adaptable. It aims to ensure both the full and effective enjoyment of all the rights recognised in the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the holistic development of the child. Its full application requires the development of a rights-based approach, engaging all actors to secure the holistic physical, psychological, moral and spiritual integrity of the child and promote his or her human dignity.

Every human being below the age of 18 years old.

An act leading to a child repeatedly made to feel worthless, unloved, alone or scared. Instances include: continually ignoring or rejecting a child, physically or socially isolating a child, forcing a child to do things by scaring them, constantly criticising, humiliating or blaming a child, constantly swearing, yelling or screaming at a child, bullying, teasing, insulting or belittling a child, having unrealistic expectations or unreasonable demands of a child, not allowing a child to explore, express themselves, learn or make friends, treating a child badly because of things they can’t change.

A complex form of child abuse whereby someone uses a child for financial gain, sexual gratification, labour or personal advantage. It can take many forms and perpetrators may subject children and young people to multiple forms of abuse at the same time, such as criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation. It can happen by force and coercion or manipulation and deception, and can take place online as well as offline.

The abuse and neglect that occurs to children under 18 years of age. It includes all types of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence and commercial or other exploitation, which results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power both in presence or through information technology.

Any representation, by whatever means, of a child engaged in real or simulated explicit sexual activities or any representation of the sexual parts of a child for primarily sexual purposes.

The use of a child in sexual activities for remuneration or any other form of consideration, such as goods, services, shelter, protection, favours, or any other benefit that the exploiter receives.

Preventative actions to ensure that all children are protected from deliberate or unintentional acts that lead to the risk of or actual harm.