A significant report from the United Nations has cast a harsh light on France, revealing systematic failures in protecting the rights of unaccompanied migrant children. According to findings published by the [UN Committee on the Rights of the Child](https://www.ohchr.org/en/treaty-bodies/crc) (CRC) on Thursday, these young individuals have been subjected to "grave and systematic violations" due to flawed processes and inadequate care structures.

The CRC, composed of 18 international experts in children's rights, conducted a detailed investigation in October 2023, uncovering that France's methods for determining the ages of these children were critically deficient. The state often relies on "physical appearance" or "unreliable medical examinations" to gauge age, leading to numerous minors being erroneously treated as adults. This misclassification can leave them without support for up to eight months, during which they may end up surviving in perilous conditions—on the streets, in parks, or in makeshift camps.

Moreover, the committee highlighted the plight of children trying to reach the United Kingdom, who are frequently detained in restrictive environments like airport waiting zones or border holding facilities. Such practices were condemned as "disproportionate and therefore arbitrary" by the committee.

Under the [Convention on the Rights of the Child](https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child), France is obligated to provide "appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance" to any child seeking refugee status, ensuring no discrimination based on their status. However, the CRC's report illustrates a troubling pattern of neglect and harm, resulting in severe and enduring impacts on the affected children's health and development.

In response to these findings, the CRC has urged France to adopt a "principle of presumption of minority," which would treat individuals as minors until proven otherwise, a stark shift from current practices. France, which officially received the report in March and has since [issued a response](https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CRC%2FC%2FFRA%2FOIR%2F1&Lang=en), affirmed its commitment to sheltering unaccompanied children and upholding this principle.

These developments come amid broader scrutiny of France's treatment of migrants and refugees, including a [legal challenge](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/14/human-rights-groups-call-for-france-to-suspend-one-in-one-out-treaty-with-uk) concerning a controversial agreement with the United Kingdom about the exchange of asylum seekers.

The situation remains a focal point of international concern, highlighting the ongoing challenges in upholding the rights and dignity of unaccompanied migrant children on European soil. The world watches as France navigates these complex humanitarian and legal challenges, in hopes of reform and better adherence to international child protection standards.