Unaccompanied children and the refugee protection system in Canada: a study on the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by minors in their claim for status

The migration of unaccompanied refugee children is a multifaceted process shaped by global conflicts and widespread instability. Some of these children, separated from their families, seek refuge in Canada, despite the severe emotional, social, and legal obstacles they must overcome. The process of refugee status determination for unaccompanied minors, governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and international conventions, aims to protect their rights. Nonetheless, there is a number of structural flaws which could make this process more difficult and increase the vulnerability of those children. Based on these suppositions and the fact that unaccompanied children are a relatively unknown demographic in scholarly literature, the study aims to examine the protections afforded to minors in the Canadian territory as well as the difficulties they encounter in filing for asylum. In particular, the analysis will first concentrate on the theoretical level of the refugee determination system, reviewing the actions taken by the government to safeguard children's interests. Afterwards, the investigation will shift to the practical level, examining any gaps in protection and the resulting impacts on refugee children's physical and mental wellbeing. Therefore, in addition to talking about racism, barriers based on culture and language, and social isolation, this thesis will also talk about stress and trauma brought on by a lack of support networks and status insecurity. Furthermore, the topics of child detention and family reunification will be investigated, in order to comprehend Canada's current position on the matter and identify any discrepancies between international and domestic policies.