International protection is a general form of asylum law and, like adults, children are also entitled to be covered by international protection systems.

The right to asylum – recognised by Article 18 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union – is a fundamental right granted to those who meet the criteria laid down in the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, signed in Geneva on 28 July 1951, which has become established as customary international law within international protection systems.

Within the various national systems, the reception of asylum seekers has been reshaped by European Union law, which introduced a Common European Asylum System (CEAS), as well as a further level of international protection – subsidiary protection – in addition to refugee status.

The main legislation on the International protection for foreign children is attached.