Invisible? : the accompanied asylum seeking child

Abstract

Refugee children are in a special and difficult circumstance and they require specific measures in order to safeguard their rights. The purpose of this study is threefold. First, it focuses on the rights of the accompanied asylum seeking child in the light of the principles and rights set forth in the 1989 Convention on the Right of the Child. The main issues explored include reception (detention, abuse and exploitation) and refugee status determination process (application, interviewing, decision making and appeal). Secondly, the study analyses what measures are being taken by some states, including Malta, to give appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance to asylum seeking/refugee children as stipulated by Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Finally, this study draws out conclusions and recommendations taking into account the Maltese context. Several sources were used including literature review, interviews and visits to places where asylum seekers and refugees live. The study shows that there are risks and challenges encountered by accompanied children in their immediate environment. Moreover, these children seem to be invisible in the refugee determination process as they are generally considered to be an extension of the accompanying adults.