The Foundation for Access to Rights - FAR has joined 29 organisations to warn that the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum risks failing to protect unaccompanied children at Europe's borders.

The Foundation for Access to Rights - FAR has joined 29 organisations to warn that the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum risks failing to protect unaccompanied children at Europe's borders. While the EU Pact contains a number of safeguards to protect unaccompanied children, in reality it’s likely to put children even further at risk.

 For example, its strong emphasis on tighter border controls is likely to lead to a more aggressive response to irregular crossings, including pushbacks. Its accelerated processes coupled with limited capacities and resources, risk failing to accurately identify unaccompanied children or their specific needs and vulnerabilities, or take into consideration their best interests. 

And it could allow for even more children to be held in detention, and for longer than before – in some cases, for up to six months. We’re calling for the EU and its member states to pursue 10 key priorities to ensure that the rights of unaccompanied children are protected - in line with international refugee and human rights law - and create a #PactThatProtectsChildren