Between law and reality: the protection of unaccompanied minors in Italy and France.

The thesis explores the protection systems for unaccompanied minors in Italy and France from a comparative perspective, analysing their legal frameworks, practical challenges, and the degree of compliance with international standards. The chapters dedicated to the two national systems examine the respective legislative frameworks and address key issues within reception systems, age assessment procedures, the transition to adulthood, and school integration. Subsequently, the thesis assesses how far Italian and French regulations comply with international child rights standards. Finally, it considers future developments related to the entry into force of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum in 2026, evaluating its potential impact on national regulations and practices concerning the protection of unaccompanied minors.