Strengthening the protection of unaccompanied migrant children in Türkiye
The main objective of the project is to improve the protection of unaccompanied migrant children in Türkiye, in line with European and international standards.
Specific objectives:
To strengthen the capacities of national authorities to respond to the specific needs of unaccompanied migrant children.
To support unaccompanied migrant children in transition to adulthood.
To increase awareness about rights and foster empowerment among unaccompanied migrant children.
Main partner: Ministry of Family and Social Services
Target group: Personnel of the Ministry of Family and Social Services working on child protection in migration, i.e., social workers, psychologists, child protection experts
Other stakeholders: Personnel of the Presidency of Migration Management; Relevant Ministries and public officials; Legal professionals, law enforcement professionals; Civil society organisations working in the field of human rights, migration and child protection
End beneficiaries: Unaccompanied migrant children
Further alignment of practices for the protection of unaccompanied migrant children with European and international standards
Strengthened knowledge and capacities of the MoFSS personnel working on child protection in migration to improve reception and care systems for unaccompanied migrant children and to effectively support them in their transition to adulthood.
Comprehensive tools, methodologies, and guidance materials that enable professionals to deliver responsive, child‑friendly care to unaccompanied migrant children and to effectively support them during transition to adulthood.
Enhanced understanding of rights and improved access to child-friendly information for unaccompanied children on the move
Key Activities
- Trainings for the MoFSS personnel on various topics, including (a) guardianship, (b) care placement practices, (c) transition to independent living and after-care support.
- Comparative analysis and feasibility study of international reception and assessment models for unaccompanied migrant children.
- Guidance for the MoFSS personnel on various topics including (a) leaving-care plans and after-care support, (b) case management.
- Expert consultations with the relevant public authorities, academics, and civil society organisations working on child protection in migration.
- Working groups between the relevant Ministries, law enforcement agencies, provincial directorates of the MoFSS and civil society organisations to enhance inter‑institutional coordination.
- International conferences and expert events to share experience and promising practices on the protection of unaccompanied migrant children.
- Translation and adaptation of the HELP course on the Transition of Migrant and Refugee Children to Adulthood into the Turkish context.
- Child‑friendly guidance and materials for unaccompanied children, informing them about their rights and the support mechanisms available to them.
- Awareness-raising and outreach activities for unaccompanied children in migration.
Project Information
- Duration: 18 months (1 January 2026 - 30 June 2027)
- Country: Türkiye
- Budget: 454 772 Euros
- Funding: Voluntary contribution from Sweden
Children Under the Same Sky: Young Voices Unite on World Refugee Day
On World Refugee Day, unaccompanied migrant children and members of the Children's Rights Committee gathered to pay tribute to the resilience, courage and strength of refugees worldwide during the “Children Under the Same Sky: Empowering Young Voices” event. Through activities from the Council of...
Soutenir la transition vers l’âge adulte des enfants migrants non accompagnés en Türkiye
Les enfants migrants non accompagnés ont besoin d’un soutien continu, concret et fondé sur les droits humains lorsqu’ils entrent dans l’âge adulte. Pour beaucoup, le passage à 18 ans signifie faire face à une « triple transition » : devenir adulte, s’adapter à d’éventuels changements de statut...
Enhancing Protection through Stronger Co-Ordination for Unaccompanied Migrant Children in Türkiye
Unaccompanied migrant children face multiple vulnerabilities as children, migrants and individuals separated from their families. Ensuring their effective protection requires strong co-operation and co-ordination among all actors working in the field of child protection and migration. A Working...
