Thousands of unaccompanied migrant youths arrive in France each year seeking safety, education and healthcare. Many claim to be under 18, which would entitle them to special protections under French law. But without documents, they fall into a legal grey zone – too young to be treated as adults, yet not officially recognised as minors.
Their cases are passed between institutions and the process can take months. In the meantime, they risk sleeping rough, being arrested or even deported before a final decision is made.
