The 'best interests' of asylum-seeker children: Who's guarding the guardian?

Unaccompanied asylum-seeker children - those under 18 years of age who arrive in a country seeking asylum without their parents - are regarded as particularly vulnerable individuals. Given that they lack the protection of both their home State, and their parents, such children are at special risk of being exposed to harm. In recognition of this vulnerability, a number of UN bodies and other international non-governmental organisations have recognised that these children - commonly referred to as 'unaccompanied minors' - require special procedural safeguards, including the appointment of an independent guardian.