Age determination for unaccompanied minors
The Belgian Medical Council has issued a detailed advice on the conditions in which an 'age determination test' can be performed on persons claiming to be unaccompanied minors. Radiation can only be performed with caution. Radiation must be as low and as quick as possible. Interpretation requires a specific expertise. The doubt will always have to benefit to the person claiming to be a minor. Radiation can only be ethically justified if it offers more advantages than disadvantages. A balance of interests needs to be done between approximate age determination and the risks for the health of the person. In any case, the test cannot be performed without the person consenting to it. Consent needs to be well-informed and explicit. The assistance of a tutor or a reference person is important. The result of the test can be transmitted directly to the authorities. The full text of the advice is available in French and in Dutch.
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