Children and youth, as those most affected by and vulnerable to environmental harm, continue to face significant barriers to participation in decision-making processes and to adequate legal protection. It is therefore essential to ensure that they can effectively exercise their environmental rights.
As an integral part of its climate justice strategy, Child Rights International Network (CRIN) published the report “Children’s Access to Justice for Environmental Rights | European Union” in December 2025, looking at whether the laws and policies in the European Union make it possible for children to access their environmental rights. It looks at the legal tools that exist, how courts interpret them, and the practical barriers children face when trying to challenge acts and decisions which harm the environment.
The report explains the importance of the principles like prevention, precaution, and “polluter pays” and highlights the role of the Aarhus Convention, which grants the public rights to information, participation, and access to justice.
The report analyses major European Union policies and strategies, including the European Green Deal and legal acts on climate action, chemicals, pollution, biodiversity, and corporate accountability. It also shows where gaps remain, especially when it comes to standing, burden of proof, and the absence of child-specific safeguards.
