CRC concluding observations 2016, paragraph 77

With reference to its general comment No. 6 (2005) on treatment of unaccompanied and separated children outside their country of origin, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Systematically collect and publish disaggregated data on the number of children seeking asylum, including those whose age is disputed; (b) Establish statutory independent guardians for all unaccompanied and separated children throughout the State party; (c) Conduct age assessments only in cases of serious doubt through multidisciplinary and transparent procedures, taking into account all aspects, including the psychological and environmental aspects of the person under assessment; (d) Cease the detention of asylum-seeking and migrant children; (e) Review its asylum policy in order to facilitate family reunion for unaccompanied and separated refugee children within and outside of the State party, including through implementation of the European Union Dublin III Regulation; (f) Provide sufficient support to migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking children to access basic services; (g) Review the Immigration Act (2016) in order to ensure its compatibility with the Convention; (h) Ensure that children are returned only where there are adequate safeguards, including a formal best-interests determination, effective family tracing, including individual risk and security assessments, and appropriate reception and care arrangements.”