Exchange of information and best practices on first reception, protection and treatment of unaccompanied minors Manual of Best Practices and Recommendations

This publication consists of five parts: The first part comprises an overview of international and European standards and the harmonisation of policies at EU level concerning unaccompanied minors (UAMs) and summarises the milestone document on children’s rights worldwide.
In the second part, an outline is given of the different national legislations in each country, followed by a comparison of national practices, such as the reception and the treatment of UAMs, in the third part.
The fourth part presents data gathering standards in the different countries. Throughout the Manual, the authors have also referred to the Statement of Good Practice compiled in the frame of The Separated Children in Europe Programme (SCEP) by UNHCR and International Save the Children Alliance. The Statement aims to provide a straightforward account of the policies and practices required to implement measures that will ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of separated children in Europe.
The fifth part addresses the issue of available funding resources to care for this specific group. As a main result, based on best practices highlighted throughout the Manual, the last chapter of this publication proposes a number of recommendations on the best way to provide unaccompanied minors with adequate treatment, protection and reception.