Asylum seekers often flee their home countries without proper identification documents, making it difficult to determine their age accurately. This can have serious consequences, as their age impacts their legal status and the services they may be eligible for.
For example, minors may be entitled to special protections and accommodations. It’s important to prioritize lawful age assessments to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Similarly, the safeguarding and protection of all adults, must not be supported and entitled to these special protections and accommodations.
Only experienced, qualified, age assessment-trained social workers should conduct age assessments. They must follow established case law and guidance and adhere to strict rules to ensure fairness and safety.
Additionally, appropriate adult presence during the assessment is mandatory unless the individual decides to waive this right. An interpreter who can communicate in the individual’s preferred language must also be present to ensure equity.
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