The Institute of Legal and Forensic Medicine will be in charge of deciding and performing the necessary tests to determine the age of the minors. unaccompanied unaccompanied who arrive in the Balearic Islands and about whom there are doubts about their minority of age. This new approach, framed in an institutional collaboration agreement, was presented by health and justice authorities in the community.
A change in the evaluation process
The deputy director of Humanization of IbSalut, Gabriel Rojo, the prosecutor of Minors, José Díaz Cappa, and the insular director of Centers and Programs of Integral Care for Children of IMAS, Margdalena Ramis, explained that the protocol seeks to optimize the time and accuracy in the processes of age determination. Unlike the previous model, where an X-ray of the carpus was performed exclusively, now it will be the forensic experts who will determine which tests will be performed, interpret the results and issue the final reports.
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These tests, which continue to be performed at the Son Espases Hospital, may include, in addition to carpal radiography, an orthopantomography. According to Rojo, this combination allows “more accurate” results in determining age.
Results and figures for the year
Since the entry into force of the new protocol last December 5, 17 immigrant minors have arrived on the islands, of which two have undergone the new tests. During 2024, 73 age determination files were processed in the Balearic Islands. Of these, 55 have confirmed that the minors evaluated were indeed minors, while 18 turned out to be adults. So far this year, the Balearic Islands has received a total of 347 unaccompanied immigrant minors, according to data provided by Ramis. These figures underline the importance of having an agile and reliable procedure to address the specific needs of this vulnerable group.
A coordinated institutional effort
The new agreement follows the guidelines of a European framework protocol that seeks to protect the rights of unaccompanied immigrant minors and provide guarantees for both them and the institutions. As explained by the authorities, the ultimate goal is to ensure that the tests carried out are the most appropriate and that the results are used to make fair decisions in their reception process.
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