and psychological care, legal assistance, and screening—in a language the child
understands—to assess for particular vulnerabilities.62
The Committee considers the prompt appointment of a guardian a “practical measure” to
ensure that children’s best interests are represented and protect children from risks that
could jeopardize their right to life, survival, and development.63 Under Greek law, all
children who are detained are to be informed in a language they understand of the reasons
and duration of their detention, and a means to challenge the detention decision.64
The Committee has also stated that unaccompanied children in detention have a right to
recreation and to education, and Greek law specifies that such children should be “given
the possibility to occupy themselves with activities, including games and recreational
activities appropriate for their age.”65
62 UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, General Comment No. 6, para. 63 and para. 31.
63 UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, General Comment No. 6, para. 33.
64 Law on Reception, art. 46(10)(f).
65 UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, General Comment No. 6, para. 61; Law on Reception, art. 46(10)(b).
“WHY ARE YOU KEEPING ME HERE?”
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