On 27 June 2019, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) expressed its concern over the dangers migrant children are exposed to while on the move, and the significant inconsistencies of policies and procedures ‘which limit the legal opportunities for migration in Europe’. Parliamentarians stated that once migrant children arrive to Europe, they are often exposed to threats such as violence and abuse at detention centres or transit zones, or to homelessness, a choice made by children themselves to avoid deportation. Migrant children often face exploitation, both sexually and as undocumented workers.

Based on a recent report presented by rapporteur Rósa Björk Brynjólfsdóttir (Iceland, UEL), parliamentarians unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at combating violence against migrant children. The resolution proposes several legal instruments and other means to enable more effective policy implementation. It also calls on Council of Europe Member States to ‘create channels for safe, legal, and regular migration’, by prohibiting the detention of migrant children and providing legal protection in accessing asylum procedures. Furthermore, the resolution urges Member States to adjust their national legislation to ensure the protection of migrant children from all forms of exploitation and to preclude intrusive age assessment procedures. 

PACE also emphasised the need for the establishment of a ‘common strategy’ adopted by all Council of Europe Member States, which outlines the ways to combat all forms of violence against migrant children and to ensure ‘the broad protection of their human rights’.

The Assembly concluded the session by setting out recommendations to the Committee of Ministers concerning the adoption of guidelines clarifying the legal basis, processes and procedures of guardianship and age assessment. It further suggested that the Committee of Ministers request the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) ‘consider the possibility of developing European standards for reception centres for migrant children’.

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