Reception of unaccompanied minors in France and Sweden : A theme addressing the Convention of the Rights of Children, the asylum processes and the age determining procedures of unaccompanied minors

Because of numerous armed conflicts there are a vast number of refugees around the world. Many of them are unaccompanied minors (UM), looking to seek asylum in Europe. However, the reception of these minors, as well as the decisions regarding asylum, differ between countries. This study seeks to understand the reception of unaccompanied minors in France and Sweden, by analysing the procedures of reception of UM and the asylum processes. The main research question is What are the procedures and problems posed by the reception of unaccompanied minors (UMs) in France and Sweden? Is another solution possible? This study is drawn upon the methods of comparative qualitative analyses and a case study of an Afghan refugee, as well as theories on political justice and UN’s Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC). By comparing the results of France and Sweden and putting them in context with a testimony of an Afghan refugee, the findings show that both countries’ procedures to receive UM are quite similar and that they in general comply with the CRC. However, the study also shows that the procedures to determine the age of the UM are subject to criticism and can complicate the asylum process for the minors. Hence there are some areas where the CRC is not completely fulfilled. In conclusion the study draws upon theories of political justice and discusses the possibility of supranational institutions to better meet the needs of UM in compliance with the CRC