More than 20,000 children reached Europe alone in 2025
More than 20,000 children reached Europe without a parent or guardian in 2025, exposing a growing number of young migrants to violence, exploitation and abuse along dangerous migration routes, according to a joint report by UN agencies.
A total of about 31,100 children arrived in Europe by sea and land through mixed migration routes last year, a 25% decline from 2024. But the proportion travelling without a parent or guardian increased sharply, rising to 67% from 51%.
Italy and Spain recorded the highest proportions, with 86% of child arrivals in both countries reported to be unaccompanied.
Dangerous journeys leave children vulnerable
The International Organization for Migration warned that the lack of safe and legal routes is forcing children to rely on smugglers and undertake dangerous journeys without adequate protection.
“Children are making difficult and dangerous journeys without a parent or guardian by their side,” IOM Director General Amy Pope said.
She called for stronger cooperation between countries to protect children, uphold their rights and ensure access to appropriate care and support.
The findings underline the dangers faced during the journeys. Among more than 4,600 adolescents and young adults interviewed along Mediterranean, West African Atlantic and Western Balkan routes, nearly half of those questioned about their experiences said they had suffered physical violence.
On the Central Mediterranean route, 28% reported being held against their will, while 17% said they had been forced to work.
Safe pathways continue to shrink
At the same time, opportunities for children to reach Europe through safer and regulated channels declined sharply.
The number of children undergoing refugee resettlement procedures to Europe fell to about 3,400 in 2025, down from 8,900 in 2024.
Relocation between European countries also dropped. Only 199 children were transferred under the Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism, a 67% decrease from the previous year.
None of the children relocated through the mechanism were unaccompanied.
UN urges stronger protection
The IOM urged European countries to place the best interests of children at the centre of migration decisions and ensure timely access to essential services.
The agency also called for an end to the detention of children for immigration purposes and said unaccompanied and separated children should receive immediate access to legal representation.
The figures point to a widening gap between the number of children arriving alone through dangerous routes and the limited availability of safe alternatives.
For thousands of children travelling without parents or guardians, the journey to Europe therefore remains a high-risk passage marked by exposure to violence, exploitation and uncertainty.
Source:AA
