Big rise in Afghan child migrants

Kabul, 01 March-(ANA)-United Nations aid agencies are warning of a sharp increase in unaccompanied Afghan children applying for asylum across Europe.

The latest figures from the UN refugee agency show an increase of 60% last year, with more than 6,000 under-18s seeking asylum.

Unicef says there is an urgent need to protect children migrating alone.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child obliges countries to protect children of all nationalities.

In 2008, UN refugee agency figures show, 3,800 Afghans under 18 applied for asylum in Europe.

The UN believes the latest figures are the tip of the iceberg; many unaccompanied minors do not apply for asylum because they fear detention and deportation.

A new study from Unicef, the UN children's agency, reveals a lack of coherent policy within Europe towards child migrants and often a failure to protect them. (ANA)

FA/ANA/01 March 2010--------