In 2017, over 31,000 unaccompanied children sought asylum in the EU, many of them hoping to be reunited with family members. These children face a unique set of challenges, from difficulties in accessing legal representation to not receiving adequate social support and information. The current Dublin III Regulation does not sufficiently address these challenges. In this context, discussion at the event explored the current difficulties impending effective access to family reunification rights. Panelists also looked ahead, assessing opportunities for improved conditions in the context of the negotiations on the reform of the Dublin III Regulation.
Discussion at the Policy Dialogue also involved the organisation Safe Passage which launched its latest report on the application of family reunification rights under the Dublin III Regulation.
Speakers included: Marie De Somer, Head of Migration and Diversity, European Policy Centre, Athanasia Stathopoulou, Legal Coordinator, Safe Passage, Eleanor Harrison, CEO, Safe Passage, Markos Karavias, Director, Asylum Service, Greek Ministry of Migration Policy, Claude Moraes MEP, Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Ann Kristin Hahnsson, Policy Officer, DG Migration and Home Affairs, European Commission.