Lhe current period is full of nauseating political and media discourse concerning migrants, undocumented migrants and unaccompanied minors (UMs). But in the regions, villages and neighborhoods, collectives, associations, thousands of citizens bring to life, through their solidarity, their fraternity, another reality on a daily basis.
We call together for reason to take precedence over fantasies and for us to come back to factual data, in particular on the reality experienced by unaccompanied minors, and on the difficulties encountered by these young people and their supporters in enforcing the requirements. protection related to their minority.
Throughout France, situations are multiplying where the lack of institutions leads to the homelessness, without rights or resources, of unaccompanied minors who are vulnerable and in danger. The rights of the child are not discussed, even less for the benefit of political displays of “fight against immigration”. The migrant minor is above all a child.
Respect and safety
We ask that current institutional leaders commit to respecting and applying:
– The immediate sheltering of any isolated young person presenting himself as a minor, in the mechanisms of common law for the protection of children (the only mechanisms authorized to accommodate a minor, able to guarantee him dignified living conditions and quality socio-educational support), hotels not being an appropriate solution;
– Recognition and respect for the presumption of minority, the best interests of the child and the right to an effective remedy, the care of unaccompanied minors by child protection must be maintained until a final judicial decision is reached;
– Respect for the right of minors to benefit from comprehensive and appropriate care enabling them to access all of their fundamental rights (socio-educational, financial, legal support, access to education, physical and mental health care);
– Continuation of care beyond the age of 18 if the situation so requires (care through adult youth contracts or other arrangements if necessary);
– Securing the future, at the age of majority, for unaccompanied foreign minors, which involves not questioning their identity, recognizing the validity of civil status documents from their country of origin, l obtaining a residence permit.
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