Children are one of the most vulnerable groups of migrants. They have complex needs, including for a safe and stable environment, as well as access to healthcare, education and tailored, child-friendly services. Within this group, unaccompanied children, who have been separated from their families and are not being cared for by an adult guardian,are particularly exposed to increased risks of violence, abuse, and exploitation. As a result, they need targeted and appropriate services to scale, including adequate identification and registration, guardianship and legal representation, quality accommodation and care arrangements. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been providing child protection services for asylum-seekers, refugees and other migrants in Greece since 2016, and have been providing Supported Independent Living services for teenagers in Athens in 2019. We believe that durable solutions that better address the needs and safeguard the rights of unaccompanied children must be urgently introduced or expanded. This report aims to highlight the importance of strengthening the multiple durable solutions available for unaccompanied children in Greece.

Osama, himself a refugee, volunteers with the IRC to support Syrian children who cross into Jordan without a parent or guardian.

Meet the mums and babies supported by the IRC in some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.