revocation of parents’ citizenship, or their right to return, should also take into account the impact on the children involved. Particular protection concerns arise in respect of children who remain abroad in active conflict zones, in camps for internally displaced people, or detention situations that fail to meet basic standards – especially if their parents have died or are in detention.258 States should endeavor to ensure that children exposed to extreme vulnerability receive the protection they need, including by taking necessary steps to co-operate with foreign states to ensure that their rights are respected. For those currently left without protection and support, states should consider when repatriation (and subsequent recovery and reintegration) is required on the basis of acting in the best interests of the child.259 While the best interest of the child is the primary consideration, states should also take into account the rights of parents and family members and the general presumption that children and parents should not be separated.260 Upon return, the emphasis should be placed on providing returning children with adequate support to assist their recovery and reintegration, in accordance with the CRC.261 This should include necessary care and medical, psychosocial and educational support. States should implement tailored reintegration programmes for returning children, including by assigning mentors and a range of support to enable them to return to their former lives without stigmatization or alienation. While the challenges are considerable, states should take all possible measures to give meaningful effect to children’s rights. Protecting the rights of the child is an important human rights obligation and converges with broader, longer-term security goals. Child FTFs: Victims and Criminals Without denying that children commit crimes, and that those crimes have a serious impact on their victims, the complex relationship between victimization and perpetration must be acknowledged and responses tailored accordingly. The UN Special 258  See Article 20 CRC on special obligations of protection where the child is denied the family structure of support. 259  Ibid. 260  On the involuntary separation of children and families see for example Article 9 CRC. Article 9(1) provides that “States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will, except when competent authorities subject to judicial review determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child….” Article 9(2) specifies that “all interested parties shall be given an opportunity to participate in the proceedings and make their views known.” Article 9(3) notes the importance of maintaining personal relations and direct contact with parents and Article 9(4) the importance of information being provided to parents, the child or, if appropriate, another member of the family. 261  Article 39 CRC requires that “States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to promote physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of a child victim of: any form of neglect, exploitation, or abuse; torture or any other form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; or armed conflicts. Such recovery and reintegration shall take place in an environment which fosters the health, self-respect and dignity of the child.” Guidelines for Addressing the Threats and Challenges of “Foreign Terrorist Fighters” 71