Seine-Saint-Denis to File UN Complaint Over France’s Handling of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors

The State "disregards" the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which France has nevertheless signed, according to Seine Saint-Denis in its referral.

According to francetvinfo, the community claims to have mobilized in 2019 "nearly 59 million euros", or "17 million more than in 2018" and created "900 more places" to enable the care of unaccompanied foreign minors. Meanwhile, the State has only contributed "8%" of the expenses incurred, according to the department. All these reasons justify the legal action before the UN.

Seine Saint-Denis hopes that this action before the Human Rights Committee will lead to an in-depth investigation. It especially expects the UN to make strong recommendations to France in order to unlock additional funds for the department to care for unaccompanied foreign minors. It also hopes for a "thorough reform of the system of reception, care, shelter and accommodation" for these minors, many of whom are Moroccan.