Information provided to unaccompanied child beneficiaries of international protection should be delivered in a child friendly and understandable manner, considering their age, gender and cultural background.
The best interests of the child is a primary consideration in all actions concerning children (Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child). All children have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them and their views should be given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity (Article 12).
Additionally, child applicants or beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance (Article 22). Having adequate information on rights and opportunities is the only way unaccompanied children can access these rights.
A child’s best interest and general well-being are a primary consideration in all procedures as established by the safeguards in the Qualification Regulation (QR).
Each unaccompanied child must be appointed a guardian, who could be a qualified natural person or organisation responsible for assisting, representing and acting on their behalf so the child can fully access rights and comply with their obligations (Article 3(11) and Article 3(18) QR). Member States should aim to maintain continuity by keeping the same responsible person throughout the asylum procedure and after protection is granted (Article 33(1) QR).
Their performance must be monitored by designated authorities, who must also provide safe and confidential complaint mechanisms for minors and replace guardians who do not fulfil their duties (Article 33(2)-(4) QR).
Unaccompanied children must be placed in appropriate accommodation, preferably with adult relatives, foster families, or in specialised centres, taking into account their views, maturity and best interest. Siblings should be kept together when possible. Changes of residence should be allowed only when necessary.
Authorities must consider the child’s special needs throughout procedures and ensure sustainable care arrangements (Article 33(6) QR). Family tracing must continue or begin immediately after international protection is granted, provided it is safe and in the child’s best interest, with strict confidentiality where safety risks exist (Article 33(7) QR).
Unaccompanied children must receive clear information about their right to a guardian, the guardian’s responsibilities and the procedures for lodging complaints against a guardian (Annex I QR).
Information provision messages
Inform unaccompanied child beneficiaries of international protection about the following.
- Their basic rights, including access to education, healthcare, psychosocial support, social and legal assistance, guardianship and protection from exploitation, abuse, violence and trafficking.
- Their entitlement to appropriate care and support and their access to dedicated services.
- The principle of the best interests of the child: all decisions concerning them are guided by what is safest and most beneficial for their well-being
- What a best-interest assessment involves.
- Their right to a guardian appointed as soon as possible after international protection is granted. The guardian’s responsibilities to assist, represent and act on their behalf. Clarify if the same person that supported them during the asylum procedure continues as their guardian to ensure continuity.
- Their right to file a complaint against the guardian who is not acting in their best interest, with instructions on how and where to submit a complaint, and whom to contact for support.
- Available protection measures to keep them safe from exploitation, abuse, violence and trafficking. Explain how to recognise risks and how to report concerns quickly to their guardian, authorities, reception staff, non-governmental organisations or cultural mediators. Provide their contact details.
- Their views and opinions are considered and given due weight in all decisions concerning them, but not all decisions will always align with their expressed views, if another option better serves their best interests.
- The types of accommodation available. Examples include placement with adult relatives, a foster family, in a centre specialised for children, or other suitable accommodation. Present the advantages of each available option to help them express an informed opinion. Clarify that the final decision will depend on their best interests. Explain the pros and cons of each option and that decisions will always be based on their best interests.
- Their right to family reunification, what information or cooperation may be needed from them, and that authorities must begin or continue family tracing after international protection is granted. Depending on the situation, this will be done when it is safe and in their best interest, with strict confidentiality where risks exist.
- The support services available (e.g. mentoring, educational assistance, social integration support and recreational activities) and contact details of the service providers (e.g. governmental authorities, non-governmental organisations and local communities). The guardian should assist with accessing these services, at least during the first contact.
- Their opportunities to engage in sociocultural integration activities (e.g. sports, arts, youth programmes and community events).
- The availability and benefits of mental health support services, explaining common emotional challenges faced by unaccompanied children and reassuring them that help is confidential and culturally sensitive.
- How to handle conflicts, with simple examples of common problems, easy steps to stay safe and information on who to contact for support or in emergencies.
Practical tips
- Use age-appropriate language to ensure understanding when drafting information provision materials and conveying messages to unaccompanied children.
- Use interactive methods such as role-playing, Q&A sessions, group discussions and storytelling to explain scenarios and solutions. Incorporate activities like drawing, crafts or games to reinforce the information.
- Design age-appropriate written information materials (leaflets, brochures and posters) and audiovisual materials (e.g. animations) to convey important messages to unaccompanied children in a manner they can relate to.
- Work with child psychologists, social workers and educators to tailor the communication approach to the children's developmental levels and emotional states.
- Break down the information into small topics. Ensure that each topic is properly explained, using the support of guardians. Organise regular meetings or thematic information provision meetings to reinforce important messages.
- Repeat key messages in various contexts, provide relevant and culturally appropriate examples and encourage questions. This ensures that unaccompanied minors retain and understand the information provided. Conduct group sessions to give a comprehensive overview of their rights and available options. Address common questions and concerns regarding accommodation, guardianship, access to rights, available support and protection from harm.
- Ensure the information is accompanied by adequate support and guidance tailored to the child’s age and level of understanding.