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This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
France ratified the CRC in 1990 and has also ratified the Optional Protocols to the CRC on children in armed conflict and on the sale of children, child prostitution and pornography and the reporting procedure. Children can generally bring cases through representatives and private prosecutions are allowed. NGOs can intervene in cases to support a civil claim and file cases in front of the European Committee of Social Rights. A Children’s Ombudsman receives complaints and intervenes in cases. Specialised tribunals deal with criminal proceedings where children are involved. Children can benefit from legal aid to file cases if they lack resources and are always entitled to it if they are the defendant.
