IN WHOSE INTERESTS? HOW THE LAW TREATS UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN IN THE COUNTRIES OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES

This report analyses gaps in the protection of unaccompanied children in the Commonwealth of Independent States and what can be done to fill these. It focuses on the Chisinau Agreement - the main instrument relating to the situation of unaccompanied children in the region, but also reviews domestic legislation. The report analyses the Agreement’s compliance with international human rights standards; highlights the range of rights violations experienced by children in this situation;
and finally, presents a set of recommendations and advocacy ideas for all those who have a role to play in the lives of unaccompanied children. The findings show that shortcomings in the definition of unaccompanied children and the fact that the law treats them as criminals instead of children in need of protection are at the root of the problem.
The report is aimed at different actors and institutions working at national level in CIS countries affected by the Agreement, as well as at regional and international levels. It is intended as an advocacy guide to secure reforms to domestic laws and the regional Chisinau Agreement to align them with international human rights standards.