Young Age, Migratory Vulnerabilities and Temporality. Compounding Inequalities Raised by Age and Legal Status – in Four European Countries

Abstract

This article adopts an intersectional approach to examine migratory vulnerabilities. It draws from qualitative data gathered by the VULNER research teams in four countries: Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Norway, exploring how age and legal status intersect and how this intersection influences other vulnerability factors. When examining the rationale and consequences of practices that employ young age as a criterion for additional protection and welfare provision in the four countries, a paradox becomes apparent: designating UAMs as minors provide them with safer recipient conditions, yet, it may not guarantee a comprehensive child-sensitive approach in the long run. Treating them as asylum seekers, however, could lead to a more thorough evaluation of their vulnerabilities and long-term protection needs. Managing this paradox creates ambivalence in both systems. Moreover, the timing of these procedures greatly influences outcomes. The analysis is a part of the EU VULNER project, investigating vulnerability within global protection regimes.