Policy Press

The Criminalisation of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors

Voices from the Detention Processes in Greece

By Ioannis Papadopoulos

Published

Jul 17, 2023

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529222869

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jul 17, 2023

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529222876

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jul 17, 2023

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529222876

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
The Criminalisation of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors

In times of increasing migration flows, Greece is often viewed as the gateway to Europe for significantly high numbers of asylum-seeking individuals, including unaccompanied minors. Between 2016 and 2020, under Greek law unaccompanied children were to be temporarily placed in a protective environment upon irregular entry, pending referral to suitable accommodation. However, in reality they were being subjected to detention procedures instead.

Giving voice to migrant children and professionals throughout, the author combines legal analysis with criminology and unveils the discrepancy between the law and practice. The findings demonstrate that unaccompanied children in Greece are criminalised through detention processes, while being deprived of the right to be heard.

This book promotes child-friendly practices in the international migration setting, with a view to safeguarding the fundamental rights of unaccompanied minors experiencing detention upon arrival in host countries.

“Unaccompanied minors deserve protection, but they end up in detention centres under horrible circumstances. By going to these centres and giving minors and professionals a voice, Papadopoulos lays bare the criminalisation process taking place on European territory.” Joanne van der Leun, Leiden University

"In giving voice to those migrants silenced and punished through administrative procedures, this book provides both an indictment of policy and practice and a way forward in listening to children." Aaron Pycroft, University of Portsmouth

“An essential book offering a critical and rigorous analysis of crimmigration practices in detention facilities for unaccompanied migrant minors, adequately conveying their daunting experiences in the framework of fundamental children's rights.” Rita Faria, University of Porto

Ioannis Papadopoulos is Lecturer of Criminology at the University of Salford, Manchester. His research focuses on immigration detention, children’s rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, crimmigration and qualitative methods of analysis.

Disclaimer

List of Diagrams and Tables

List of Abbreviations (in Alphabetical Order)

List of International Legislation (in Chronological Order)

List of National Legislation (in Chronological Order)

Abstract

Notes on Author

Recent Publications

Preface

Chapter 1: Introducing the Problem Statement

I. From Current Aims…

II. …to Chapter Analysis

Chapter 2: Children’s Rights and Methodologies

I. Focusing on the Right To Be Heard

II. Achieving a Phenomenological Result

III. Conducting Ipa in the Context of Migration

Chapter 3: Criminals in Waiting

I. Entering the Country Irregularly

II. Addressing Detention Issues

Chapter 4: Under the Research Lens

I. Exploring Crimmigration

II. Voicing Children

Chapter 5: Recruitment and Data Collection

I. Listening to the Minors’ Insights

II. Witnessing the Practitioners’ Experience

III. Combining Ipa With Focus Groups

IV. Holding a Focus Group Session

Chapter 6: Emergent Discussion Themes

I. Concerns on Hygiene Matters

II. Problematic Detention Setting

III. Absence of Proper Services

IV. Incidents of Abusive Behaviour

Chapter 7: Ultimate Reflections

I. Understanding Detention

II. Implementing Changes

Chapter 8: Reaching a Conclusion

I. From Final Remarks…

II. …to Future Research Paths

References