Return of unaccompanied minors
Article 17
1. Assistance by appropriate bodies other than the authorities enforcing return shall be provided in accordance with the best interests of the child. 2. A representative or a person designated to safeguard the best interests of the child shall be appointed to represent, assist and act, as applicable, on behalf of an unaccompanied minor in the return process. It shall be ensured that the appointed representative is appropriately trained in child-friendly and age-appropriate communication and that they can communicate, including with the use of interpretation services, in a language that the minor understands or is reasonably presumed to understand. That person may be the person designated to act as a representative under Directive (EU) 2024/1346 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 32 ) where the person has been designated in accordance with Article 27 of that Directive. 3. The unaccompanied minor shall be heard, either directly or through the representative or person referred to in paragraph 2, including in the context of the determination of the best interests of the child. At the latest before removing an unaccompanied minor from the territory of a Member State, the authorities of that Member State shall be satisfied that he or she will be returned to a member of his or her family, a nominated guardian or adequate reception facilities in the country of return.