Document

Migrant and refugee children in 2024 via mixed migration routes in Europe

An overview of trends for accompanied, unaccompanied and separated children from January to December 2024

At the Solidarity Center of the Municipality of Athens, where SolidarityNow implements Non-Formal Education programs for refugee and immigrant children as part of the "All Children in Education" initiative on January 24, 2024. Children of all ages and from different countries welcomed the guests, talked with them about their progress at school and shared their dreams for the future. — UNICEF/UNI509975/Pantelia

About

In 2024, some 41,779 children arrived in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain. Of these, 21,323 (51 per cent) were unaccompanied children. Overall, child arrivals by sea and by land decreased by 25 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023 (55,704).

This factsheet is jointly produced by UNHCR, UNICEF and IOM with the aim to support evidence-based decision-making and advocacy on issues related to migrant and refugee children.

The document provides an overview of the situation in Europe with regards to migrant and refugee children (accompanied and unaccompanied). It compiles key child-related data based on available official sources: arrivals by sea and by land, asylum applications, asylum decisions, profiles of child and youth arrivals, relocation, assisted voluntary returns and resettlement to Europe.

The present factsheet covers the period January to December 2024, providing up-to-date information on migrant and refugee children, including unaccompanied children, who arrived via mixed Mediterranean and Western African Atlantic routes in Europe.