New Law Addressing Unaccompanied Minors in Italy
After a long negotiation period, a new law addressing unaccompanied minors (UAMs) went into effect in Italy on March 29th. The main goal of the new law is to increase UAMs’ protections and defend their rights. The first reform regards the reception system. Specifically: minors’ refoulement is always forbidden; expulsion is possible (as foreseen by current laws) but only if it does not cause “a risk of serious damage for minors”. In addition, a new provision concerning the decision must be made within 30 days; the time a minor can be detained in reception facilities (related to first-aid provisions) decreases from 60 to 30 days; specific reception facilities are indicated to them to better meet their needs; only one procedure can be provided to identify minors and it must be fulfilled within 10 days (no time limit was given until now). This procedure is aimed to verify the minors’ age in order to implement policies addressed to them. more>>>