The principle of the best interests of the child has been the subject of extensive consideration in academic, operational and other circles. Legal documents relating to the protection of children, including those adopted by UNHCR’s Executive Committee on children of concern to the Office, systematically refer to it.

How to apply this principle in practice, however, often remains challenging for UNHCR and its partners. Limited guidance is available on how to operationalize the best interests principle. These Guidelines are intended as one step to help fill this gap.