Why it is important to treat children well at border crossings

In this video we hear Wannes, Nael, Mariane and Idrissa answering the question: Why is it important to treat children well at border crossings?

As we noted in previous course steps, children may have encountered difficult and disturbing experiences on their journey. They may be fearful and distrustful of adults and extremely concerned what will happen to them next.

Reports unfortunately show how children have been treated extremely badly while crossing borders. For example, a 2017 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) report explains how 92% of children and teenagers attending MSF mental health clinics in Serbia reported the experience of physical violence by police and border officials in three particular EU Member States.

It is extremely important that everyone who comes into contact with unaccompanied and separated children treats them with the utmost care, dignity and respect.