Individual assessment is necessary before returning separated children

In a recent position paper, ECPAT-NL and UNICEF-NL condemn the systematic return of separated children who don't qualify for asylum to reception houses in the country of origin. This policy is led by the Netherlands and followed by other Member States such as Norway, Denmark, the UK and Sweden. However, ECPAT-NL and UNICEF-NL underline the necessity of proving on the basis of an individual assessment whether or not the child's well-being can be guaranteed if s/he is sent back: "it is necessary to make an individual assessment to decide whether a durable solution is to return to the country of origin or integration in the country of residence."

In addition, "a careful assessment must be made when a child is reunited with family members." It must be ensured that these family members can provide "appropriate long-term care in the best interest of the child." ECPAT-NL and UNICEF-NL recall that the best interest of the child must be the most important determining criteria in deciding whether s/he should be returned to his/her country of origin.

Source: Defence for Children International, ECPAT-NL and UNICEF-NL, 'Position paper on the return of separated children: to reception houses in countries of origin'

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