A/HRC/33/53
(j)
Ensure that the support centres serving as first points of contact for
unaccompanied migrant children have special and secure accommodation solely for that
particular group of children;
(k)
Establish programmes, in centres, that give priority to the social integration
of migrant children, including language and integration courses, learning support,
educational programmes and preparing for independent living;
(l)
Provide information to migrant children that is adapted to their age and
cultural conditions, using simple and clear language and the support of an interpreter, if
necessary;
(m) Process quickly and efficiently any application for asylum by an
unaccompanied child and ensure that, in the meantime, applicants are housed in shelters
that meet international standards;
(n)
Continue to care for unaccompanied migrant children in the country of
destination, to support their transition to adulthood in that country;
(o)
Take into account the different categories of unaccompanied migrant
children, their characteristics and their situations, in the design of policies and programmes
aimed at the realization of their human rights. Doing so should not, however, lead to
abandoning a holistic approach to children’s rights.
IX. Best practices
99.
In order to face the increase in unaccompanied migrant children in Italy, a new
system was implemented in 2015 with the aim of setting up first-aid reception centres
dedicated to migrant children.63 The first health-care actions taken in respect of children in
Italy are regular steps aimed at the identification of any physical or psychosocial problems,
at the very early stages, in order to ensure adequate health and educational support during
the rest of the reception procedure. Customized psychosocial support is needed because of
the psychological and physical stress caused by the journey and the painful personal
experiences of migrant children.
100. In some countries, social workers, guardians, educators or legal representatives are
assigned to an unaccompanied migrant child before the asylum procedure begins.64 Those
persons accompany the child from the beginning of the application (first interview)
throughout the entire asylum-seeking process until a final decision is issued and applied.65
Asylum-seeking children have by law access to legal information from the beginning.
101. In many countries, operators of asylum centres are responsible for providing
schooling and other services aimed at maintaining and developing the skills of children.
Some national education laws have safeguards to ensure equal access to education for all
migrants at all levels. For instance, Germany is a desirable destination for migrant children
because of the support they receive and the special treatment granted by youth welfare
63
64
65
Information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy.
In some countries, temporary and permanent residence permits are granted to children only if the
application has been made by a legal representative.
In the United States, legal representation is provided to children in certain cases only. The United
States is not a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Nevertheless, children have the
right to be represented in legal proceedings by counsel and there are various programmes available to
assist them.
19
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