Migrant children being left unprotected by France

Human Rights Research Center
15 hours ago
3 min read

October 31, 2025

HRRC strongly condemns France’s treatment of migrant children within its borders. These children are often left without food or drink and are left to live on the streets or in inadequate camps. France’s inability to assess an individual’s age is exacerbating the situation for many, and we urge France to more rigorously enforce the “presumption of minority” directive in a way that would help to protect many children.

Children in migrant camps of Grande-Synthe [Image source: AFP/Getty]

The treatment of migrant children currently living in France has been strongly condemned by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC). A report published this month accuses the French government of failing to protect or care for many migrant children in the country.

According to the CRC, the primary reason for such failings is that the age assessment procedure being employed by officials is inherently flawed. The age of the minors is determined based on physical appearance and on inaccurate medical examinations. In 50 to 80% of cases in which the proposed age has been disputed, the original age assessments have been overturned. In a further cause for concern, it is believed that these medical examinations were also carried out without the support of a trusted adult or guardian present.

During this ongoing situation France has failed to uphold the presumption of minority, a safeguarding policy that is used to protect an individual until an initial assessment has been completed. This process can often take up to eight months. Although the presumption is applied in France, it seems that in several cases it is not being applied effectively.

The result of these errors in age determination have been extremely damaging for the children in question. Failure to assess children accurately and classifying them as adults has created a situation in which minors are not receiving the level of care that they require, leaving many of them to care for themselves. Those who have had their ages contested are often left alone on the streets, or in makeshift camps without enough food or water to sustain themselves. They are also regularly denied access to education or health care, which leaves them in an incredibly vulnerable situation.

In the report the CRC further criticises the French government by asserting that they have created a situation in which the children in question are often “…at high risk of being exposed to trafficking, abuse, maltreatment and police violence.” Issues with the police have previously been reported as being widespread in migrant camps just outside the northern city of Calais, in which those who fall under 18 have been routinely subjugated to degrading treatment.

After publishing their report, the CRC provided France with several recommendations and practical ways to improve. These recommendations included the fact that authorities must always act in accordance with the presumption of minority, and they must ensure that no child goes without food, water or adequate housing.

Glossary

Condemned – Strongly criticized or expressed disapproval of something.
Contested – Argued over or not agreed upon.
Degrading – Causing someone to feel humiliated or disrespected.
Directive – An official instruction or order.
Exacerbating – Making a problem or situation worse.
Flawed – Having mistakes or weaknesses
Guardian – Someone legally responsible for a child or person.
Inadequate – Not enough or not good enough.
Makeshift – Temporary and not ideal; improvised.
Migrant children – Children who have moved from one country to another, often for safety or economic reasons.
Overturned – Reversed or cancelled a previous decision or ruling.
Presumption of minority – The principle that someone claiming to be a child should be treated as a child unless proven otherwise.
Rigorously- In a very strict, careful, or thorough way
Safeguarding – Protecting someone from harm or danger.
Subjugated - brought under someone else’s control, power, or domination, often through force, oppression, or coercion.
Sustain – To keep something going or maintain it over time.
Trafficking – The illegal trade or movement of people, often for exploitation.

Sources

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Migrant children being left unprotected by France

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