The Criminalisation of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors: Voices from the Detention Processes in Greece

Description

In recent times, Greece is often viewed as the gateway to Europe for high numbers of asylum-seeking individuals, including unaccompanied minors. Between 2016 and 2020, under Greek law unaccompanied children were to be temporarily placed in a protective environment upon irregular entry, pending referral to suitable accommodation. However, in practice, they were being subjected to detention procedures instead. Giving voice to migrant children and professionals throughout, the author combines legal analysis with criminology and unveils the reality within detention facilities. The findings demonstrate that unaccompanied children in Greece are criminalised through detention processes, while being deprived of the right to be heard. This book promotes child-friendly practices in the international migration context, with a view to safeguarding the fundamental rights of unaccompanied minors experiencing detention upon arrival in host countries. Front Cover The Criminalisation of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors: Voices from the Detention Processes in Greece Copyright information Dedication Table of Contents Disclaimer List of Figures and Tables List of Abbreviations List of International Legislation List of National Legislation About the Author Preface 1 Introducing the Problem Statement From current aims … … to chapter analysis 2 Children’s Rights and Methodologies Focusing on the right to be heard Achieving a phenomenological result Conducting IPA in the context of migration 3 Criminals in Waiting Entering the country irregularly Addressing detention issues 4 Under the Research Lens Exploring crimmigration Voicing children 5 Recruitment and Data Collection Listening to the minors’ insights Witnessing the practitioners’ experience Combining IPA with focus groups Holding a focus group session 6 Emergent Discussion Themes Concerns on hygiene matters Problematic detention setting Absence of proper services Incidents of abusive behaviour 7 Ultimate Reflections Understanding detention Implementing changes 8 Reaching a Conclusion From final remarks … … to future research paths References Index