In 2024, UNICEF provided direct assistance to over 30,000 migrant and refugee children in Italy, offering critical protection, education, and mental health support. According to the organization’s Europe and Central Asia annual report, released on March 12, the aid focused on unaccompanied minors and vulnerable young migrants navigating the dangerous Central Mediterranean migration route.
With approximately 66,000 migrants arriving in Italy via this route in 2024, UNICEF estimates that 20% were minors, including around 8,000 unaccompanied children. The Central Mediterranean remains one of the deadliest migration paths, with 1,700 people reported dead or missing last year—many of them children. To address this crisis, UNICEF expanded its programs to support young migrants facing extreme risks.
The organization provided protection services to 24,000 children, including mental health support and gender-based violence prevention programs. Additionally, 900 adolescents were placed in foster care or received guidance from mentors. Another 7,000 disadvantaged minors, including both migrants and refugees, gained access to educational programs focusing on language skills, digital literacy, and life skills.
Digital outreach also played a crucial role in UNICEF’s efforts. The U-Report On The Move platform expanded to 18,000 active users, with 5,000 unaccompanied minors and young migrants joining in 2024. Additionally, 700,000 people received messages about prevention and access to essential services, ensuring vital information reached those in need.
Nicola Dell’Arciprete, coordinator of UNICEF’s Italy program, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Ensuring protection, support, and opportunities for the most vulnerable minors is not only necessary but possible. It is essential to transform these experiences into concrete models, expanding their application to build a more effective and sustainable reception and inclusion system.”
As migration challenges persist, UNICEF’s work continues to be a lifeline for thousands of children, providing them with safety, stability, and hope for a better future.