Action Plan on Unaccompanied Minors (2010 – 2014). Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council
- Document number
- 2325
- Date
- 2010
- Title
- Action Plan on Unaccompanied Minors (2010 – 2014). Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council
- Author/publisher
- European Commission, European Union
- Availability
- View/save PDF version of this document
- Document type(s)
- EU law, Guidelines/Recommendations,
- Keywords
- Organized crime, Prosecution, Law Enforcement, Criminal justice, Detention, Judicial cooperation; National anti-trafficking measures; Criminalisation, Punishment, Crime prevention; Unlawful deprivation of liberty,
- Summary
- The EU legislative and financial instruments on asylum, immigration and trafficking in human beings already directly or indirectly address the specific situation of unaccompanied minors and provide for enforced protection of their rights. But there is a need for greater coherence and more cooperation within the EU and with countries of origin and transit, so that the EU and Member States provide concrete and effective responses. An EU common approach is therefore needed.
This common approach should be based on the respect for the rights of the child as set out in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the UNCRC, in particular the principle of ‘the best interests of the child’ which must be the primary consideration in all action related to children taken by public authorities9. It is fundamental to ensure that any child needing protection receives it and that, regardless of their immigration status, citizenship or background, all children are treated as children first and foremost.10 It must also be based on solidarity and sharing of responsibilities between Member States and with the countries of origin and transit, as well as on enhanced cooperation with expert civil society organisations and international organisations. - Related documents