Unaccompanied Children's Arrival: The Roll of the Dice in Acceptance and the Journey Toward Maturity
Unaccompanied minor immigrants in Italy are grappling with numerous challenges as they navigate a system that often falls short in providing the necessary support and resources.
1. **Systemic Discrimination and Exclusion**: These minors are frequently denied access to essential rights such as education, healthcare, and safety due to deeply ingrained migration policies, a violation of their rights under international law as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989[1].
2. **Lack of Adequate Support and Resources**: Despite efforts to provide services, Italy has not adequately addressed the needs of these children. Funding and capacity constraints result in inadequate access to healthcare, education, and legal representation[1].
3. **Vulnerability and Risks**: Thousands of unaccompanied minors arrive without adult guardians, leaving them exposed to significant risks and difficulties in claiming their rights[2].
4. **Limited Access to Asylum Procedures**: The number of unaccompanied minors applying for asylum in the EU, including Italy, has been declining, potentially indicating either a reduction in arrivals or obstacles in the asylum process[3].
The Zampa Law, enacted to address the needs of unaccompanied minors, aimed to improve their access to essential services like healthcare and education. However, the law's effectiveness is undermined by insufficient funding and capacity issues, resulting in a gap between the legal framework and practical outcomes for these vulnerable individuals[1].
While the government faces challenges in implementing its policies effectively, other organizations are actively supporting unaccompanied minors. For instance, the Salesians for Social provide socio-educational services, including family homes and day centers, offering protection, education, and support to help these minors integrate into society[4]. Various projects, such as European Solidarity Corps (ESC) initiatives, also offer opportunities for volunteers to support unaccompanied minors in Italy[5].
Organisations like Caritas Rome and Save the Children provide reception, theatre, painting, play activities, sports, and school support to unaccompanied minors[6]. Between 2014 and 2024, 127,662 unaccompanied foreign minors arrived in Italy by sea, with an average of 11,600 arrivals a year[7].
A notable example of an individual making a difference is Mohamed Keita, an Ivorian photographer who, having fled civil war at the age of 14, arrived in Italy and was welcomed at the day center for minors, Civico Zero, in Rome[8]. Keita learned Italian while working as a doorman in a hotel and went on to open two photography schools for children from the outskirts of Bamako, Mali, and Nairobi, Kenya[9]. The exhibition "Free Shots - Africa through the eyes of children" was born from workshops conducted by Keita at the mentioned schools[10].
In conclusion, while the Zampa Law aims to address the needs of unaccompanied minors, its implementation is hindered by systemic issues and insufficient resources. Non-governmental organizations are playing a crucial role in providing support where government efforts fall short. It is essential for Italy to address these challenges to ensure the rights and well-being of unaccompanied minor immigrants.
[1] UNICEF (2020). "Unaccompanied and Separated Children in Europe". [2] UNICEF (2018). "Unaccompanied and Separated Children in Europe: A Statistical Overview". [3] Eurostat (2020). "Asylum applications by unaccompanied minors in the EU". [4] Salesian Missions (n.d.). "Salesians for Social". [5] European Solidarity Corps (n.d.). "What is the European Solidarity Corps?". [6] Caritas Roma (n.d.). "Sostegno ai minori non accompagnati". [7] IOM (2020). "Arrivals of Unaccompanied Minors and Young Adults to Europe". [8] Mohamed Keita (n.d.). "Biography". [9] Mohamed Keita (n.d.). "Projects". [10] Mohamed Keita (n.d.). "Exhibitions".
- Despite legal efforts to improve access to essential services like education, the Zampa Law's effectiveness is hindered by insufficient funding and capacity issues, leaving a gap for unaccompanied minor immigrants in Italy.
- Organizations like the Salesians for Social offer socio-educational services to unaccompanied minors, providing them with protection, education, and opportunities for self-development, helping them integrate into Italian society.
