A recent report by UN agencies has revealed that more than two-thirds of refugee and migrant children who reached Europe via Mediterranean and Balkan routes last year were unaccompanied. The report, published by the International Organisation for Migration, UNHCR, and Unicef, highlights the alarming trend of children undertaking perilous journeys alone. In 2025, a total of 31,100 children arrived in European countries, including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Spain.
The proportion of unaccompanied children rose to 67% in 2025, up from 51% in 2024. This translates to over 20,000 children who were recorded as unaccompanied or separated from a parent or guardian. Italy and Spain received the highest number of unaccompanied minors, with 86% of children arriving in these countries travelling alone. The report attributes the increase in unaccompanied minors to poverty, conflict, and environmental hazards, which force people to undertake risky sea crossings.
The report also notes that the number of children involved in refugee resettlement procedures in Europe dropped significantly in 2025. Only 3,400 children were involved in resettlement procedures, down from 8,900 in 2024. Furthermore, only 199 children were relocated between European countries under the Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism, a 67% decrease from the previous year. This decline in safe migration pathways has pushed more children into dangerous journeys and the hands of smugglers.
IOM director general Amy Pope emphasized the vulnerability of children to violence and exploitation when safe pathways are limited. She urged closer co-operation between European states and countries along the routes to counter smuggling networks that prey on minors. According to Pope, the report highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to address the root causes of migration and protect children from exploitation.
The report also found that nearly half of the 4,600 15- to 24-year-olds interviewed had experienced physical violence while travelling along Mediterranean, West African Atlantic, and Western Balkan routes. Many reported multiple forms of violence, including torture and kidnapping in transit and at border crossings. Libya was identified as the country where most abuses occurred.
The report also revealed that some children were falsely promised well-paid jobs, safe journeys, or legal travel documents by smugglers. About a tenth of those interviewed who had used the Eastern Mediterranean Route reported being misled by smugglers. This highlights the need for greater awareness and protection of children from smuggling networks.
The UN agencies are calling for greater co-operation and a more comprehensive approach to address the root causes of migration and protect children from exploitation. The report emphasizes the need for safe migration pathways and greater protection for children who are forced to undertake perilous journeys.
Key points
- Over 20,000 unaccompanied minors arrived in Europe in 2025.
- The proportion of unaccompanied children rose to 67% in 2025, up from 51% in 2024.
- Nearly half of the 4,600 15- to 24-year-olds interviewed had experienced physical violence while travelling.
