The orphans of war in Portugal: the role of family lawyers | Opinion
We are still stunned: Europe is at war again! In Ukraine, so close by, homeland of many neighbors with whom we come across every day. The war on our doorstep, with its procession of dead, wounded, without end of misfortune.
A wave of solidarity sweeps across Europe and Portugal is no exception. Caravans are organized to carry food, blankets, medicines and everything else that a fleeing population might need. It multiplies around here as offers of employment, housing, shelter for those who, from one day to the next, were left with nothing.
Many people fleeing the war are already arriving in our country. And among them come, of course, children and young people. Some are accompanied by parents, grandparents or other family members, while others are alone, accompanied only by the companions who accompany them to an uncertain future.
Our reception courts will be called upon to decide the fate of unaccompanied children and young people who arrive in Portugal as refugees from the war, and who may stay in family or residential care or even in confinement fleeing the war.
The law already provides for the administrative possibility for a child or young person to participate in legal proceedings or be assisted by a lawyer. This is an obligation arising from international commitments assumed by the Portuguese State, namely the European Convention on the Exercise of Children’s Rights (arts. 4 and 9).
The vulnerable situation of our war orphans, and the care of surveillance and children that are due in special cases, must lead, in many cases, to the appointment of lawyers for these situations. Its mission will be to assist them in the processing and administrative processes that concern them, ensuring their interests and rights. Promotion and protection processes, where their immediate destination will be decided, and which take place in the courts, as well as administrative processes aimed at regularizing their stay in the national territory or enrollment at school.
The Portuguese did not consider themselves to this tragedy that was taking place in the east of the continent and published, individually, representatives and through the Order that offers them a free offer of services when they need them. The same will happen with a representation of children and young people who are being welcomed in our country, with no other reward than the satisfaction of helping others. That’s why I’m so proud of the profession I chose over 20 years ago!
PS: A dos Advogados de Família e das Crianças (AAFC) requests court requests to be sent by email for representation for legal representation of children and young people who are associated with the request for legal support.