In order to ensure that the processing of applications for international protection are carried out with due regard to the rights of the child, specific child-sensitive procedural safeguards and special reception conditions are to be provided to minors. Where, following statements by an applicant, there are grounds for doubting as to whether or not an applicant is a minor, it should be possible for the determining authority to carry out an age assessment of the person concerned. Doubts regarding the age of an applicant may arise when the applicant claims to be a minor but also when they claim to be an adult. Given the particular vulnerability of unaccompanied minors, who are likely to lack identification or other documents, it is particularly critical to ensure strong safeguards to ensure that such applicants are not subject to incorrect or unreasonable age-assessment procedures.