Children account for 40% of all forcibly displaced people worldwide, with a significant proportion being unaccompanied. These children face heightened vulnerability - as minors, migrants, and unaccompanied - making it crucial to address their specific needs. As one of the world’s main refugee-hosting countries, Türkiye receives a substantial number of unaccompanied migrant children.
To strengthen the protection of these children, the Council of Europe has launched a new project in co-operation with the Ministry of Family and Social Services of Türkiye, with funding from Sweden. The project has a three-fold approach: building the capacity of national authorities, supporting unaccompanied children in their transition to adulthood, and empowering them by raising awareness of their rights.
The launch event in Ankara brought together key national and international partners working in the field of child protection and migration. The opening session featured remarks by William Massolin, Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Ankara, H.E. Ms Malena Mard, Ambassador of Sweden to Türkiye, and Leman Yenigün, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services. Speakers highlighted the shared responsibility to ensure that unaccompanied children on the move receive appropriate care, guidance, and support in line with European standards and good practices, while acknowledging their unique strengths and resilience.
A lawyer from the European Court of Human Rights delivered an important presentation on relevant case law, offering valuable insights into the legal principles that safeguard unaccompanied migrant children under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Over the coming months, the project will provide targeted capacity-building for professionals, develop practical guidance on various topics, including guardianship, care placement practices, after-care support, and strengthen inter-institutional co-operation. Child-friendly materials and outreach activities will also support unaccompanied migrant children in accessing information and available services.
By reinforcing professional practice and institutional co-operation, the project seeks to ensure that unaccompanied migrant children in Türkiye receive the protection and support they need to navigate their future with dignity and confidence.
