The law Criticism of lack of consideration for children during repatriations

The interests of children are often neglected or forgotten during forced returns. This is criticized by the National Commission for the Prevention of Torture. Forced measures such as the shackling of parents in front of their children can have a traumatizing effect.

In its report published on Tuesday, the commission (NKVF) comes to the conclusion that the law enforcement authorities do make efforts to ensure the welfare of children. However, the interests of children, which must be given priority under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, are often neglected or forgotten when planning and implementing forced returns.

Mention is made of coercive measures against pregnant and breastfeeding women. The Commission considers these - in addition to the shackling of parents in the presence of their children - to be "degrading and inhumane".

The Commission calls for police escorts to be better trained in connection with the special rights of families and children in the context of forced return and their specific needs.

SDA