Protection and representation of unaccompanied refugee children

The number of unaccompanied minors seeking asylum is increasing daily. Children are the most adversely affected by migration, which occurs for various reasons. Meeting the material and emotional needs of unaccompanied minors and protecting them from all forms of abuse is the obligation of states party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. One of the most significant reasons why unaccompanied minors seeking asylum are deprived of basic human rights such as asylum, housing, education, and healthcare is the lack of representatives to represent them and protect the child's best interests under all circumstances. Legal representation is critical for a child's ability to obtain basic human rights, from the moment they apply for asylum until the completion of international protection procedures. Legal representation for unaccompanied minors is regulated differently by each state party to the Convention. In Turkey, legal representation for unaccompanied minors is regulated by the Turkish Civil Code and the Child Protection Law. This study primarily focuses on the legal representation and protection of unaccompanied minors seeking asylum under Turkish law. In this context, unaccompanied minors seeking asylum are examined primarily in international law. This study then evaluates the legal representation required for the protection of these children and the smooth functioning of their legal processes under Turkish law. Furthermore, this study examines the practical challenges faced by unaccompanied refugee children regarding legal representation and protection. Proposed solutions to these challenges are also presented. Finally, to highlight the importance of unaccompanied refugee children's need for legal representation, it examines decisions concerning these children under both international and Turkish law.