The Committee recalls that the assessment of the age of a young person who claims to be a minor is of fundamental importance, as the outcome determines whether that person will be entitled to or excluded from national protection as a child. Similarly, the enjoyment of the rights set out in the Convention flows from that determination. It is therefore imperative that there be due process to assess a person’s age, as well as the opportunity to challenge the outcome through an appeals process. While that process is underway, the person should be given the benefit of the doubt and treated as a child. The best interests of the child should be a primary consideration throughout the age determination process.
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