Protection and emergency care for vulnerable and unaccompanied minors (REFUG III)

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Children, especially unaccompanied minors, are among the most vulnerable refugee and migrant groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Their vulnerability is aggravated by the absence of parental care and general uncertainty. The dangers encountered along the migration routes leave many traumatised. They frequently face criminalisation and degrading and inhumane treatment and often have no access to effective protection measures such as legal guardianship, basic identification, age assessment or family tracing.

Since the closure of the “Balkan route” in 2016, migration to BiH has increased significantly: in 2024 alone, 25,236 migrants were registered in the country including 6,410 unaccompanied minors / children without parental care – a 55% rise compared to 2023. Most are housed at the Ušivak Temporary Reception Centre. According to the Ministry of Security, a significant number of them are in highly vulnerable situations facing risks of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and neglect.

Currently, there is no dedicated facility in BiH for the accommodation of vulnerable unaccompanied minors – the one exception being this project’s Reception Centre in Sarajevo, which was opened in July 2023 by Caritas Switzerland (CACH) and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).

The project improves protection of and care for the most vulnerable UAM and UASC in BiH. By providing secure housing, including priority items such as meals and clothing, alongside psychosocial and medical support, the project will significantly reduce the vulnerabilities of the target group.

The project provides unaccompanied minors and vulnerable asylum seeking children access to a reception center, where their basic needs including food, water, clothing and medical care are met and protection from violence is guaranteed. They receive support for school attendance and legal assistance. The project offers psychosocial support, including counseling and occupational therapy, to help manage stress. Those wishing to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina receive assistance with the asylum process as well as language courses.

A core aspect of the project is its strong cooperation with local authorities to strengthen their capacities. By integrating the center into the national referral system and promoting cooperation with relevant institutions, the project ensures high standards of child protection and conflict prevention.

Combining emergency aid with long-term capacity building, the project aims to gradually transfer responsibility to local authorities, ensuring the centre's sustainability and integration into Bosnia's migration and child protection systems.

The project serves as a model for government institutions, showcasing the benefits of a structured approach to providing adequate care and protection to unaccompanied minors and asylum seeking children.