Securing Legal Aid and Protection for an Unaccompanied Child in Lesvos

In 2022, an unaccompanied child suffering from severe medical conditions arrived in Lesvos and was incorrectly registered as an adult by the authorities. An ELIL lawyer provided assistance to the child.

Following the difficult and prolonged process of correcting the age of the unaccompanied child discussed in our previous post and once the age assessment was successfully conducted, new evidence emerged that was crucial to the case. The ELIL lawyer representing the child contacted the Asylum Service and requested a supplementary interview to ensure that all relevant details could be taken into account.

Thankfully, within two months of the child's age being recognised, the supplementary interview took place. The ELIL lawyer was present during the interview and provided medical and social service documents in support of the case. With this evidence and a legal memo drafted by the lawyer, the applicant's case was strengthened.

A few months later, the child received a positive decision on their application. This outcome is a testament to the importance of having legal assistance for unaccompanied children in the asylum process, to ensure that they receive the necessary support and protection.