Welcome of Unaccompanied Foreign Children UFC

1
Welcome of Unaccompanied Foreign Children (UFC)
Issues and Recommendations

• Representation of Group n. 1Ministries and
  Observatories of Belgium, France, Italy,
  Portugal, United Kingdom, Spain, Unicef,
  Municipalities and NGOs

2
Does your Country grant the entry to UFC?

• No evidence of outright refusal
• Waiting zones used by some Countries
• Reception Centres could be used in the short term
  but might marginalized children
• Some children want / need to work and not go to
  school

3
Are UFC detained for immigration reasons?

• Yes in some Countries
• It is not an appropriate solution

4
How is the identification made and how is the age
assessed?

• It is different between Countries
• Often linked to age assessment
• Some Countries use x rays
• Contact between Embassies as appropriate

5
If the child is accompanied by an adult, is the
nature of the relationship between them
established?

• The point of view of the child
• Initially with border control
• Attention to the trafficking of children

6
Recommendations

• EU should harmonize all his policies and
  directives on both asylum and immigration issues
• EU Countries should sign the optional Protocol on
  the sale of children and child prostitution