concerned, and to which children under their jurisdiction should have nondiscriminatory access;
•
The support provided by UNHCR and other relevant agencies and partners
in helping States fulfil their obligations should supplement and strengthen
the national child protection system in areas where gaps exist, and be
delivered in a spirit of partnership by building on each actor's comparative
advantages to reinforce the beneficial impact on the protection of children;
•
States, UNHCR, and other relevant agencies and partners shall assure to
the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to
express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of
the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity
of the child, and that mechanisms exist to inform children and adults alike
of children's rights and options;
•
The principle of the best interests of the child shall be a primary
consideration in regard to all actions concerning children;
•
Due consideration should be given to the importance of the family and
family support structures for the protection of children;
•
Non-discriminatory enjoyment of rights and each child's right to life should
be ensured, while also assuring to the maximum extent possible each
child's survival and development, supported by a caring and protective
family environment and zero tolerance for all forms of violence against
children;
•
The active promotion of gender equality is essential to the protection of
girls and boys, particularly those at heightened risk;
•
Emphasis should be given to children in the prioritization of financial and
other necessary resources;
•
A rights-based approach, which recognizes children as active subjects of
rights, and according to which all interventions are consistent with States'
obligations under relevant international law, including, as applicable,
international refugee law, international human rights law and international
humanitarian law, and acknowledgement that the CRC provides an
important legal and normative framework for the protection of children;
•
In recognition that detention can affect the physical and mental well-being
of children and heighten their vulnerability, States should refrain from
detaining children, and do so only as a measure of last resort and for the
shortest appropriate period of time, while considering the best interests of
the child;
•
A two-pronged approach comprising: (1) mainstreaming of age, gender
and diversity into all UNHCR programmes, policies and operations, and (2)
targeted action, to ensure that all children, girls and boys of diverse
backgrounds, can enjoy protection on an equal basis; and
•
A collaborative approach whereby all relevant actors work together to:
identify risks faced by children; undertake participatory situation and
comprehensive gap analyses to identify, assess and respond to the wider
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