The International Rescue Committee reported a significant increase in the number of unaccompanied children arriving in Trieste, Italy, through the Balkan migratory route in 2023. The city saw over 3,000 unaccompanied children arriving, marking a 112% rise from the previous year. These minors accounted for nearly 20% of all migrants in Trieste who received support from IRC and its partners.
IRC and its collaborators offer these children crucial assistance, including information on their rights, legal guidance, and access to first aid services. The Central Mediterranean route remains the primary entry point into Europe, responsible for 41% of irregular crossings, while the Western Balkans trail closely behind with 26% of the crossings.
The IRC expressed concern over the alarming trend of children arriving in Trieste without their families or guardians, facing neglect, trauma, and various forms of violence, including pushbacks. The report revealed that 94% of unaccompanied children came from Afghanistan, with 86% of them aiming to reach other European countries, notably Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Highlighting a troubling statistic, the IRC emphasized that an international investigation disclosed that an average of 47 children have gone missing daily after arriving in Europe over the past three years, leaving the fate of 50,000 children unknown. This data underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection and support for unaccompanied minors navigating complex migration routes.
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