UN reports rise in unaccompanied children crossing into Europe

UN agencies reported a rise in the number of unaccompanied children undertaking hazardous journeys to reach Europe. The assessment, released on Wednesday, highlighted that many of these minors are crossing the Mediterranean Sea and traversing the Balkan corridor without the support of adults.

Data from the report show that more than two‑thirds of refugee and migrant children who arrived in Europe via these routes during the previous year were unaccompanied. The figures underscore a growing proportion of minors among the overall migrant flow.

The agencies also documented that a significant share of these children faced exploitation during their journeys. Forms of abuse reported include forced labor, sexual exploitation and other forms of mistreatment by smugglers and criminal networks operating along the routes.

The crossings remain perilous, with children exposed to the same risks that endanger adult migrants, such as drowning in the sea, injuries in overcrowded vessels and vulnerability to criminal exploitation. The report emphasizes that the lack of adult guardians amplifies these dangers.

In response, the UN agencies called for enhanced protection measures for unaccompanied minors, urging European states and international partners to strengthen safe‑migration pathways and provide targeted assistance to prevent exploitation and loss of life.