The best interests of the child is one of the fundamental principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Yet despite its recognition in international and domestic law, ensuring its consistent implementation remains a significant challenge. Too often, decisions affecting children are made without a structured methodology for assessing what truly serves their best interests.
As a member of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network (UCRN), Global Rights Compliance (GRC) is contributing to a shared effort to strengthen the practical implementation of this principle across different sectors.
Through its advocacy project, UCRN is working to ensure that decisions affecting children in Ukraine are based on clear criteria and aligned with internationally recognised child rights standards. The Network is developing a Best Interests Assessment algorithm informed by UN, EU, and UNICEF standards, drawing on international practice and the expertise of member organisations. It is also developing standard operating procedures for two key situations: determining the best interests of children returning from occupation or deportation and after their return, and determining the best interests of children in family-related cases. The project also includes legislative monitoring and the development of analytical materials and policy recommendations to support more consistent, transparent, and child-centred decision-making.
At the same time, GRC is advancing the operationalisation of the best interests principle within criminal justice processes and documentation of crimes against and affecting children. In partnership with the Office of the Prosecutor General, GRC has developed a Best Interests Assessment and Determination (BIA) Procedure to support investigations and prosecutions of international crimes against and affecting children. Rather than adding administrative burdens, the procedure is designed to ensure that every investigative or prosecutorial decision affecting a child considers their rights, safety, wellbeing, individual circumstances, and long-term development. GRC is also beginning work to consolidate a Child-Friendly SOP Toolkit for civil society involved in the documentation of crimes against and affecting children, with the best interests assessment procedure at its core. This work represents a joint, consolidated effort to promote the operationalisation of the best interests of the child principle.
Together, UCRN, GRC and other member organisations are contributing to the practical implementation of the best interests of the child principle. By combining expertise in child protection, advocacy, and international justice, we are helping embed this principle into the procedures, policies, and decisions that affect children’s lives, while building more coordinated and child-centred systems to safeguard every child’s rights.