Equal Rights, alongside 30 organizations, has raised urgent concerns about the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, warning that it risks failing to protect unaccompanied children at Europe’s borders.

While the Pact includes certain safeguards for unaccompanied children, its implementation may, in reality, leave children even more vulnerable.

For instance, the Pact’s focus on stricter border controls could escalate aggressive measures against irregular crossings, including illegal pushbacks. Accelerated procedures, combined with limited resources and capacity, risk failing to identify unaccompanied children, address their unique needs and vulnerabilities, or act in their best interests. Moreover, the Pact could lead to longer detention periods for children – potentially up to six months – a clear violation of their rights.

We urge the EU and its member states to adopt 10 key priorities to ensure the protection of unaccompanied children, in full compliance with international refugee and human rights law. Together, we must build a Pact that protects children.