Achievements

What has the Programme achieved?

Development of Statement of Good Practice

The Statement of Good Practice provides a well structured and comprehensive set of principles giving a common standard for work across all countries. The Statement has been translated into a number of languages that will ensure its widespread dissemination and use. For the full text, go to Good Practice.

Development of Programme network

The establishment of a pan European Programme network, comprising of at least one NGO member from each country and at least one UNHCR contact person responsible for each country, has been one of the most important achievements to date. The development of such a network is crucial if the issue is to be addressed effectively at the national and international level. The network can enable the exchange of information and experience on lobbying, provide a link with those giving direct support to individual children and assist in the gathering of information.

Country Assessments

National assessments on the policies and practices concerning separated children seeking asylum have been completed in the 28 countries covered by the programme.

Two reports have been completed summarising the contents of the national assessments. One report covers the 15 EU States and Norway and provides recommendations for action at EU and national levels. A second report summarises the situation in Central Europe and the Baltic States. Both of these reports can be downloaded from Publications

Advocacy

Efforts are being made to ensure that the rights and needs of separated children are included in the EU asylum harmonisation instruments, which are currently being developed. Programme seminars have taken place involving members of the network in order to formulate national and EU level plans, and to foster contacts and communication.

Training

Training seminars introducing the Programme and the Statement of Good Practice as well as training on how to conduct country assessments have taken place.

A training guide based on the Statement of Good Practice has been produced. The Training Guide is available for downloading from Publications. Several Training of Trainers workshops on the Training Guide have been held across Europe, including representatives from national governments, UNHCR and non-governmental organisations. Training has taken place in many countries to develop the competence of officials and staff in a wide range of agencies.

Sharing of information and experience

Several Programme conferences and seminars have been held in different European cities in the period 1999-2002 with participation of government officials, UNHCR staff and Network members from the 28 countries covered by the Programme.