Child Refugees and Unaccompanied Minors in Europe and Their Exploitation
by Human Traffickers
The matter of child refugees and unaccompanied minors in Europe is of grave concern and
requires urgent action. As conflicts erupt in various countries, various people become displaced. Among them, children are the most vulnerable. They often travel to neighboring countries without their guardians' protection. The situation poses a myriad of threats, with human trafficking being one of the most severe challenges faced by child refugees. Human traffickers exploit their vulnerable situations. These unaccompanied children are often desperate for safety and security, have dreams for a better future, and become easy targets for human traffickers. They prey on their hopes and dreams by offering false promises of a better life, employment or education opportunities, social security, and a bright future. Later, they exploit children through forced labor, sexual exploitation, and involvement in criminal activities. The vulnerabilities of such children must be recognized, and viable strategies must be implemented to ensure their safety and well-being.
The Prevalence of Unaccompanied Child Refugees in Europe
Stats about the prevalence of unaccompanied child refugees in Europe offer a bleak picture and have remained a matter of grave concern. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in 2015 alone, 88,300 unaccompanied children sought asylum in Europe. Since then, the number has dramatically fluctuated. However, in 2020 6,177 children arrived in Greece, Italy, Malta, Spain, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. Out of these, 2,302 were unaccompanied. Moreover, most of the unaccompanied children belonged to the tender age of 5 to 14 years. Most unaccompanied children in Europe arrive in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, and Malta because of their geographic location and various entry points for refugees. However, these countries often struggle to provide adequate support and protection to refugee children, and they become easy prey for human traffickers and smugglers.
Tactics and Methods Used by Human Traffickers
Human traffickers use devious strategies and manipulative tactics to exploit vulnerable
unaccompanied minors. One of the most common tactics is deception, where they disguise
themselves as well-wishers, helpers, or intermediaries. They prey on their dreams, aspirations, and hopes and lure them with a bright future, social security, employment, and educational opportunities. Once they come under control, they use coercion to bring them under their obedience. The coercive tactics include physical, emotional, or psychological abuse, threats against their loved ones, and manipulation of their fears. In addition, they isolate them from their support networks, confiscate their documents, and make it challenging to escape or seek help. After that, they become subject to exploitation through forced labor, prostitution, slavery, begging, rape, or involvement in criminal activities. Hence, life becomes miserable for them.
For instance, in 2005, the European Convention on Human Rights reported a case of Henriette Akofa Siliadin. She arrived in France from Togo when she was 14 years old. She was vulnerable and dependent on others. However, the people accompanying her took away her passport and made her work as an unpaid servant all day, 7 days a week, for over four years. When the authorities intervened, she had to stay in hospital for six months to recover.
Overview of UNICEF's Initiative and Campaigns to Protect Unaccompanied
Minors
Human traffickers specifically target undocumented minors because of their vulnerabilities and lack of legal support. Consequently, UNICEF, as a leading international organization for the protection of human rights, has undertaken various steps to protect child refugees and advocate for their rights. UNICEF has taken initiatives to ensure the rights of ;
Education
Access to food and water
Sanitation
Identity
Healthcare
Psychosocial support to promote well-being
UNICEF also focuses on strengthening child protection systems to prevent and respond to the risks faced by unaccompanied child refugees. They collaborate with governments and partners to develop comprehensive frameworks and policies that prioritize the best interests of these children. UNICEF advocates for establishing safe and supportive environments, including family-based care or suitable alternative care arrangements, to ensure the protection and welfare of unaccompanied minors.
In addition to their initiatives, the Children's Society and UNICEF have released statements and reports highlighting the risks faced by unaccompanied child refugees and providing
recommendations for action. These statements emphasize the urgent need for robust protection mechanisms, access to legal representation, appropriate accommodation, and specialized support services for these vulnerable children. They call for more vital collaboration among governments, civil society organizations, and international agencies to address the challenges and safeguard the rights and well-being of unaccompanied child refugees.
The Children's Society and UNICEF's reports and statements serve as essential advocacy tools, raising awareness about the risks and vulnerabilities faced by unaccompanied minors and urging stakeholders to act. Their recommendations provide valuable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and communities in developing comprehensive strategies to protect and support unaccompanied child refugees.
Examples of Successful Interventions to Address Challenges Faced by Unaccompanied Minors
Guardianship Systems
Despite several challenges undocumented, unaccompanied minors face, many successful
interventions have been made to protect such children. One such example is the establishment of 'Guardianship Systems.' This system has been implemented in many countries, including Netherlands and Sweden. The system is designed to provide individualized support through trained guardians to unaccompanied minors. They act as trusted figures by providing emotional support, access to healthcare, education, navigating legal processes, and other services.
Safe Zones
Another practice to provide safety and security to unaccompanied minors is establishing safe
zones. Safe zones are specialized shelters and accommodation facilities tailored according to the unique needs of unaccompanied minors. These safe zones have trained staff who provide a safe and secure environment, and staff is trained to fully understand the unique challenges such children face. For instance, Greece's "Safe Zones" offers accommodation, healthcare, and psychosocial support to unaccompanied minors, focusing on their well-being. Such interventions provide holistic support by ensuring unaccompanied minors/ physical and emotional well-being.
Empowering Hope: Let's Build a Secure Future for Unaccompanied Minors
In an nutshell, the challenges faced by unaccompanied minors in Europe need urgent attention and concerted action. The journey of these vulnerable children is fraught with peril, as they face exploitation in the hands of smugglers and human traffickers and a lack of essential support systems. Governments must strengthen their policies and allocate resources to address the specific needs of unaccompanied child refugees. Charities and NGOs play a crucial role in providing support services, advocacy, and raising awareness about the risks faced by these children. International organizations, such as UNICEF, provide invaluable guidance and expertise to develop comprehensive strategies and promote best practices. As individuals, we can contribute by supporting organizations that work tirelessly to protect and empower unaccompanied child refugees. We can collectively make a difference by staying informed, raising awareness, and advocating for improved protection and support systems. These children are our future. Together, let us build a future where unaccompanied child refugees are provided with the safety, care, and opportunities they deserve, empowering them with hope for a better tomorrow.
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