LEGAL MECHANISMS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF MINORS

This article examines the constitutional, international and national legal foundations for protecting the rights and legitimate interests of minors. It analyses the legal status of children, the principle of the best interests of the child, protection against violence and exploitation, and the practical effectiveness of family, judicial and institutional protection mechanisms. The study identifies challenges related to coordination between protection mechanisms, interagency cooperation and the prevention of violations. As its scientific contribution, the article proposes an integrated six-stage legal protection model comprising prevention, early identification, risk assessment, individual protection, restoration of violated rights and monitoring.