LESSONS LEARNED
• To effectively protect children, unaccompanied children’ s asylum claims and family reunification procedures need to be prioritised. Prompt identification and implementation of durable solutions is key to safeguarding the best interests of children. Excessive delays in processing children’ s asylum and family reunification applications affect children’ s mental health and well-being and impede their protection. The completion of legal procedures within a reasonable time facilitates children’ s integration into society and improves their overall well-being.
In order not to abandon my goal when I started this journey, I always kept in mind that I had to be educated, that I had to acquire all the basic knowledge that would allow me to keep having dreams. … I will never forget, of course, the day I learnt of the positive news about the asylum application but also my first day when I went and played the keyboard at school.
• Availability of information and clarity in legal procedures enable better protection. Unaccompanied and separated children have to go through complex and lengthy procedures that they are often unable to understand. The provision of information and individual counselling on legal procedures helps children make informed decisions and choices.
• Access to formal education is essential for protection and integration. A clear legal framework and policy aiming at removing legal barriers to children’ s access to formal education is essential to effectively protect children and promote integration in all areas of their lives. Support measures should be available for all children facing marginalisation and social exclusion.
16-year-old boy from Afghanistan
54