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UNICEF urges EU to fully protect refugee children

Xinhua, September 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Friday called on urgent action by all EU member states to fully protect children in refugees and migrants.

UNICEF said children already make up a quarter of all asylum seekers in Europe so far this year. In the first six months of 2015, 106,000 children sought asylum in the EU, mostly from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, an increase of almost 75 percent since 2014.

"Protecting refugee and migrant children from harm, especially as winter approaches, has to be at the very heart of Europe's response," said Yoka Brandt, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director.

"All these children, who have already suffered so much, have the right to protection and to dignity. Now is the time to make those rights a reality," Brandt added.

The UN agency urges the EU member states to keep family units together at all times, with family tracing and reunification programs in place for children who are arriving unaccompanied or have become separated on the journey, and to make sure the provision of professional support and advice for children and their families that safeguard children's rights, whatever their legal status, at every step of the process.

UNICEF called on continued efforts to reduce the threat from smugglers and other risks and sufficient financial investment in child protection systems, services and capacities so children are supported by trained child welfare experts, with the same high standard of care provided to children across all member states.

In addition, UNICEF highlighted the needs of designing relocation and resettlement programs and reception facilities that are child-focused, including adequate provision of healthcare, learning and play, and support and counseling to address the traumas children have experienced on their journey.

UNICEF added as more is done to protect and care for children arriving in and crossing Europe, continued international support is also needed for humanitarian and development efforts in countries of origin, along with efforts to end the conflicts and tackle the poverty that are leaving so many families with few options but to undertake perilous journeys in search of safety and opportunity. Endit