Children’s rights in focus at EMN Luxembourg workshop

At the end of May 2025, more than 70 experts from across Europe gathered in Luxembourg to highlight the child rights perspective in the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The event was organised by EMN Luxembourg in collaboration with the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) and the Ombudsman for Children and Young People (OKaJu) – Luxembourg’s equivalent of Sweden’s Office of the Ombudsman for Children. During the day, discussions focused on challenges and best practices, a clearer division of responsibilities, the need for coordination and targeted initiatives. Experts on children’s issues from the Swedish Migration Agency were present to share experiences and knowledge.

Participants agreed that the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum is an important step towards a more uniform approach across Member Countries. At the same time, some challenges remain regarding children’s rights within migration processes designed for adults. To protect children’s rights in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, enhanced cooperation between relevant stakeholders and training initiatives are needed.

Today, the Netherlands has an established system in which guardians for unaccompanied children are paid professionals. In other EMN Countries, the situation varies. As the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is implemented, efforts are in progress to develop more coherent systems that can meet the national needs of each country.

“There is a strong commitment and good coordination within the EU on issues involving unaccompanied minors. At the same time, joint efforts are still needed to define and clarify the role of the guardian in connection with the implementation of the Pact.”, says Ronnie Magnusson, national expert on unaccompanied minors.

During the day, issues regarding the care of asylum-seeking children were also raised, with good examples from Greece, Italy and several regions in Spain. Among the challenges identified are unclear responsibilities between authorities, accommodation options and an increasing number of unaccompanied minors.

Against the backdrop of increased migration pressure and changing migration policies in many EMN Countries, continued commitment is crucial, particularly to protect the most vulnerable groups.

“The day was marked by fruitful discussions and the exchange of experiences with a clear child rights perspective.”, commented Jonas Doll, an expert on children rights’s issues.

In Sweden, coordinated efforts are in progress to review a range of laws in line with the implementation of the Pact.