The Criminalisation of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors
Voices from the Detention Processes in Greece
By Ioannis Papadopoulos
Published
Jul 17, 2023Page count
176 pagesISBN
978-1529222869Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 17, 2023Page count
176 pagesISBN
978-1529222876Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 17, 2023Page count
176 pagesISBN
978-1529222876Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
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
