France Faces UN Complaint Over Child Welfare System Failures

The filing accuses France of violating ten articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, citing systemic neglect and rights violations under the ASE system.

A formal complaint was filed with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on April 14, 2025, citing severe and systemic violations of children's rights in France's child welfare system (ASE).
The complaint alleges breaches of ten articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, including rights to non-discrimination, protection from abuse, education, and adequate living standards.
France's ASE system has faced longstanding criticism for chronic underfunding, staff shortages, and inadequate oversight, with nearly 400,000 minors currently under its care.
The filing follows an April 8 parliamentary report urging immediate reforms and public demonstrations demanding improvements in child protection services.
The UN committee, while unable to enforce changes, is expected to issue recommendations to address the documented failures in France's child welfare framework.