Background
Family tracing involves seeking out family members, including relatives or former caregivers in the case of unaccompanied children, with the aim of restoring family links and facilitating family reunification, when it aligns with the best interests of the child (EASO Practical Guide on Family Tracing, 2016).
In accordance with the reception conditions directive (2013/33/EU), (RCD (recast)), family members include the spouse or unmarried partner of the applicant in a stable relationship, as well as their minor children, regardless of marital status or method of birth. The notion of family member encompasses the applicant's father, mother, or another adult responsible for them if they are a minor and unmarried (Article 2(c) RCD (recast)).
The directive emphasises that when assessing the best interests of a child, Member States must consider family reunification possibilities carefully (Article 23(2)(a) RCD (recast)). This is particularly urgent in the case of unaccompanied and separated children.
The Dublin III regulation could be used to reunite applicants with other family members present in another European country. You can read more about the exact steps on the LSA platform – Asylum procedure – Dublin Procedure. Additionally The Family Reunification Directive provides for a more transparent and clearer understanding of family reunification rules and common standards at EU level.
Information provision messages
Inform applicants about:
- The legal provisions on family reunification and the rights of applicants to be reunited with their families.
- What family tracing entails, including the process of searching for and reuniting with family members who may have been separated in various contexts related to the displacement. Unaccompanied children in particular should receive additional information on the importance of family tracing. The fact that family tracing will only occur upon their request and consent, or, in the case of unaccompanied children, when it is deemed to be in their best interests to reunite with their families.
- How to access available resources and support services for family tracing, emphasising the importance of a collaborative effort between the reception authority, other stakeholders and organisations and applicants.
- Any confidentiality concerns and the importance to provide all relevant information they have on their family's whereabouts to facilitate the process.
- The challenges related to family tracing and family reunification, for example due to information being limited and not uniformly available across all countries, among other reasons.
Practical tips
- Encourage applicants to express their views or any concerns they might have related to family tracing.
- Recognising the priority of family tracing, particularly for unaccompanied and separated children, develop dedicated and age-appropriate materials that comprehensively explain all steps and considerations involved. Materials designed for children should comprehensively outline each step of the procedure, using images and pictograms that resonate with children, thereby helping them in providing authorities with the necessary information and documents to facilitate family tracing.
- Organise individual face-to-face sessions for child applicants, providing detailed information and addressing any questions they may have. It is crucial for the reception authority to assess whether family reunification is in the best interests of the child.