What new actions to protect for children in migration?
by Catherine MALLET
On 12 April, The European Commission released a new Communication on the protection of children in migration. Since the migration crisis, the number of child migrants arriving in Europe has increased significantly and many national systems are under pressure to receive migrants and refugees, exposing gaps and shortcomings in the system. Children in migration in particular are exposed to high risks of violence, trafficking or exploitation along migration routes or may go missing, or become separated from their families, and therefore require a specific protection.
For this reason the Commission is setting out actions to reinforce the protection of all migrant children at all stages of the process. They are proposing a number of priority areas for Member States to focus on, supported by the Commission and EU Agencies, to improve the protection of children in migration and ensure a closer link between the asylum and child protection services including:
- Swift identification and protection upon arrival
- Adequate reception conditions for children
- Swift status determination and effective guardianship
- Durable solutions and early integration measures
- Addressing root causes and protecting children along migrant routes outside the EU
European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos said: "One in three asylum seekers in Europe is a child. Children are the most vulnerable migrants and ensuring their protection from the moment they leave their home countries should be mainstreamed in our migration policy. This means that we need a comprehensive and stepped-up response. Today we propose concrete actions to support our Member States in addressing the needs of all children at all stages of migration: to improve the identification of children, to train involved personnel, to step up relocation, but also to ensure swift family tracing in countries of origin and measures to enhance early integration. Both the Commission and our EU agencies stand ready to move forward to implement these actions."
According to their press release, coordinated follow-up to the key actions set out in the Communication is now required at EU, national, regional and local level, also in cooperation with civil society and international organisations. The Commission says it will closely monitor this process and report regularly to the Council and European Parliament.
For more information
Communication: The protection of children in migration
Commission Staff Working Document: Implementing the Action Plan on Unaccompanied Minors (2010-2014)
Questions & Answers: Protecting Children in Migration
Factsheet: Actions for the protection of children in migration
Tags: Europe