The surge of unaccompanied minors arriving in Greece has reached alarming levels, prompting aid organizations to declare what they call a "children’s emergency." According to data from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than 3,000 unaccompanied children have arrived just this year alone, indicating more than double the number compared to the previous year. Reported by various news outlets, the situation is dire, especially on the islands of Samos, Leros, and Kos, where many of these children are reportedly sleeping rough, lacking basic essentials such as clothing and adequate shelter.
Sofia Kouvelaki, director of The Home Project, which supports refugee and migrant children, described the current scenario as unprecedented and worrying, stating, "What we are seeing amounts to a children’s emergency of the kind we haven’t witnessed in years." This sentiment aligns with the UNHCR’s new figures, which indicate the surge from 1,490 unaccompanied minors last year to the estimated 3,000 this year. Aid groups are pressing for immediate action from the Greek government to create safe shelters for these vulnerable children.
The increase stems from various geopolitical factors, including turmoil in the Middle East and new trafficking routes from North Africa. Greek Migration Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos emphasized this point, citing "the extensive geopolitical unrest… where three wars are waging, most recently the conflict in Syria, combined with the climate crisis," as central causes driving migration trends. He noted, "All these factors have led to significant increases in migration and refugee flows since late 2023," predicting sustained pressure on migration routes through 2025.
By the end of 2024, it is projected over 60,000 individuals will have made their way to Greece, pushing existing processing camps to their limits. Alarmingly, recent events highlight the precarious situation these minors face. An Egyptian teenager was found beaten and raped, underscoring the dangers of being left without safeguards. This incident prompted immediate calls from refugee charities for enhanced protections and child-centered policies from the Greek authorities.
Willy Bergogne, Europe director at Save the Children, stated, "Children fleeing humanitarian crises arrive in Greece hoping for safety but find themselves trapped in yet another crisis. Reception centres meant to shelter them have been places of fear and isolation," pointing to the harsh conditions awaiting these young refugees.
According to Kouvelaki, the need for safe zones has become even more pressing, as hundreds of unaccompanied minors continue to arrive each month. “There are huge numbers of kids turning up on boats every day,” she explained. Stories of children sleeping outside, exposed to the elements and without necessities, are becoming all too common.
UNICEF has reinforced the call for support, with officials stating the National Guardianship Project, launched earlier this year, is instrumental. This project aims to assign guardians to juvenile migrants, ensuring their rights are upheld and they receive necessary support services throughout their asylum process. Nikos Alexiou, from UNICEF’s Child Protection Team, elaborates on this, emphasizing the importance of these guardians, who serve as advocates to protect the well-being of unaccompanied minors. "Guardians are there to represent them, to defend their rights, and to facilitate their participation," he added, highlighting the role these advocates play amid the systems and policies aimed at safeguarding vulnerable children.
The implementation of emergency measures has become increasingly urgent. NGOs, facing relentless demand and resource constraints, report current facilities are overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate care for the unaccompanied minors arriving daily. Usually housed initially within Registration and Identification Centers, these minors often spend weeks confined before being transferred to more suitable accommodations.
Critics argue, though, these protections have not yet met the challenges presented by the rising numbers. Reports detail widespread dissatisfaction with the inadequate living conditions and lack of emergency shelters. The alarming statistics and personal testimonies reflect overall systemic issues—ranging from insufficient medical services to general neglect—making it clear just how dire the circumstances are for these children.
For many unaccompanied minors, the reality doesn’t match their expectations of safety and security after fleeing life-threatening situations. The absence of safe, legal migration routes has forced many to abandon their safety for treacherous journeys across seas and borders.
While on the surface, Greece's efforts to bolster asylum services and infrastructure may seem commendable, the true state of unaccompanied minors presents what many describe as deep-seated vulnerabilities, compounded by years of neglect and systemic issues. Human Rights Committee reports have, on one hand, acknowledged progress but also indicated glaring mismatches between policy intentions and realities on the ground.
Moving forward, experts are calling for decisive actions from Greek authorities, highlighting the urgency of establishing safe conditions for the influx of unaccompanied minors amid persistent geopolitical instability. With winter approaching, the situation demands immediate attention to help protect some of the most vulnerable populations.
