Protection, Trust, and Hope for Children on the Move

It was a rainy day when fourteen-year-old Omar arrived at the Ušivak Reception Center. His face bore the marks of exhaustion, and his eyes reflected a mix of fear and hope. The journey from Syria had been long and exhausting—crossing borders, facing smugglers, violence, and hunger. Along the way, he was separated from his family, left alone with only a small backpack carrying the remnants of his life back home.

I greeted him as soon as he arrived at the center. With a warm smile, I handed him a cozy blanket and a cup of tea, hoping to show him that he was safe here. “Welcome, Omar,” I said softly. Though still cautious, he seemed to gradually release the tension from his shoulders. Given his young age and vulnerability, he quickly became one of the children I worked with most closely during his time at the center.

Being a guardian is an opportunity to provide children like Omar with a sense of safety, trust, and belonging. It is also a vital role in ensuring the comprehensive protection and well-being of unaccompanied children. Every day, we assess their needs, guided by the principle of their best interest, and act as a bridge between the child and various stakeholders—medical teams, psychosocial support, legal services, and other relevant partners. The focus is always on risk prevention and creating a safe environment where children can feel protected and supported.

Omar’s first days at the center were filled with uncertainty. Every sound reminded him of the dangers he had faced on his journey, and his sleep was restless. I regularly checked on him, asked how he was doing, and tried to explain what lay ahead. One day, I informed him that we would visit the relevant authorities to share his experiences and secure the protection he needed. His story was crucial, not only for him but also for helping other children like him. Although he was nervous, I knew it was a step toward relief.

On the day of the meeting, as we waited for his turn to speak, Omar looked at me with uncertainty. “Will they understand me?” he asked quietly. I smiled and said, “I’m here with you; you’re not alone.” During the conversation, he shared fragments of his painful experiences. Whenever he hesitated, he sought encouragement with a glance. Together, we navigated the process, ensuring he knew he wasn’t alone in this struggle.

Children on the move, like Omar, face numerous risks, including violence, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. As guardians, we rely on coordination with institutions to ensure the well-being and protection of these children. Our collaboration with the Hadžići Social Protection Service is particularly significant in providing each child with the appropriate care. Through joint efforts, information sharing, and coordinated activities, we ensure continuous support.

Over time, Omar found his footing at the center. He participated in educational activities, made friends with other children, and began learning English. “Ćamila reminded me that there are people who want to help, even when you feel completely alone,” he said once. His words affirmed the importance of our work.

Being a guardian is not just a job—it is an opportunity to be a source of support and reassurance for those at their most vulnerable. The role of a guardian involves collaboration with other institutions to ensure every child feels safe, secure, and supported during their stay at the reception center. I am proud to be part of their journey toward a better future. This experience has taught me that even the smallest acts of kindness and understanding can transform the lives of those in need.

These activities were made possible thanks to the funds of the European Union as part of the project “Individual measure to strengthen the response capacity to manage migration flows in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, funded by the European Union and implemented by IOM in partnership with UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA and DRC.

*Children's names are fictitious to protect their privacy.