Non-accompanied minors: what you need to know
In Switzerland, unaccompanied minors are taken care of by the cantonal authorities in charge of asylum and migration. The Population and Migration Service is the authority responsible for the registration and care of unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in Switzerland.
When an unaccompanied minor arrives in Switzerland unaccompanied, he or she is subject to a registration and age determination procedure. This procedure aims to determine whether the unaccompanied minor is a minor and to establish his/her identity. If the unaccompanied minor is declared a minor, he or she is taken into the care of the cantonal authorities, who provide accommodation, food, medical care, education and legal support.
Unaccompanied minors have the right to a legal guardian who is appointed by the cantonal authorities. The guardian is responsible for looking after the unaccompanied minor’s interests and representing them in administrative and legal proceedings. The guardian is also responsible for supporting the unaccompanied minor in his/her social, cultural and linguistic integration.
In Switzerland, unaccompanied minor also have the right to apply for asylum and international protection if their life or safety is in danger in their country of origin. The cantonal authorities are responsible for examining their asylum application and deciding on their refugee status.
Finally, it should be noted that the care of unaccompanied minors is subject to strict child protection and human rights standards. The cantonal authorities must ensure that unaccompanied minors benefit from