Overview

• Publishing its findings on October 16, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child said many who declare themselves minors are treated as adults after defective age assessments.
• The report cites reliance on appearance or unreliable medical exams conducted without a trusted adult, legal guardian or lawyer.
• Children kept out of protection services are left homeless in degrading conditions with heightened risks of trafficking, abuse and police violence.
• The committee notes that between 50% and 80% of those re-evaluated are later recognized as minors, indicating systemic misclassification.
• It documents detention in airport waiting zones and other border centers and urges a presumption of minority plus guaranteed housing and food, while France points to ongoing implementation of the 2022 Taquet law and a 2023–2027 protection plan.