Refugee and migrant children are particularly vulnerable, especially if they are unaccompanied; a child-friendly approach is then essential...
This compilation brings together international and European standards on child-friendly practices in the context of migration, with real-life illustrations of the kinds of initiatives, programmes and procedures that serve to implement these standards. Its purpose is to share existing knowledge on how migration-related processes can integrate a child-friendly approach. By doing this, the compilation contributes to meeting the objectives of the Action Plan on Protecting Refugee and Migrant Children in Europe (2017-2019). It addresses a wide range of issues, including the standards that must be applied to the child’s registration and age determination, the child’s treatment in the migration decision-making process and measures that promote their rights to protection, family care and education.
What the compilation shows is the range and depth of standards currently set out in international and European law – both in EU law and Council of Europe treaties and recommendations – and it provides detailed guidance for states and civil society on how best to incorporate child-friendly practices in the migration process.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSLIST OF ACRONYMS FOREWORD INTRODUCTION
A child-friendly approach
Purpose of this compilation
Methodology
Key findings
Definitions
THEME 1 – Entrance, identification and access to fundamental rights
1.1. Non-refoulement
1.2. Identification and registration
1.3. Age assessment
1.4. Reception and accommodation
1.5. Education and training
1.6. Health care
THEME 2 – Child-friendly asylum and migration processes
2.1. Procedural safeguards
2.2. Determination of asylum and migration applications
2.3. Best-interests assessment and determination
2.4. Legal representation and guardianship
2.5. Child-friendly information
2.6. Child-friendly interviews
2.7. Remedies and complaints mechanisms
THEME 3 – Special protection measures and deprivation of liberty
3.1. Special protection measures
3.2. Support for especially vulnerable children
3.3. Deprivation of liberty
3.4. Alternatives to immigration detention
THEME 4 – Durable solutions
4.1. Identifying a durable solution
4.2. Integration
4.3. Family reunification
4.4. Resettlement
4.5. Return procedures
