The Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ) has joined Claude Janizzi, Chair of the Lanzarote Committee, and the National Youth Council of Hungary in expressing concern about a new law amending certain acts adopted by the Hungarian authorities.  According to this law, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children between 14 and 18 are now considered as adult asylum applicants and will be placed in transit zones thus increasing their risk of becoming a victim of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.

The CCJ calls on the Hungarian authorities to reconsider the amendments and to comply with its international obligations, in particular with respect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child’s (UNCRC) clause to ensure children’s best interests are promoted.

Statement by the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe

Statement by the National Youth Council of Hungary