UNICEF and the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (HOME) of the European Commission launched on February 15 'Protect', a two-year-long project to promote the protection and inclusion of over 20,000 refugee and migrant children, teens, youths and women in Italy.

In 2022 over 13,000 unaccompanied minors in Italy

More than 100,000 refugees and migrants reached Italy by sea in 2022, including over 13,000 unaccompanied foreign minors. An estimated 8,000 refugees and migrants -- mainly coming from conflict zones in the Middle East and southern Asia -- arrived through the north-eastern border.

In addition, more than 170,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war reached the country.

With the 'Protect' plan, UNICEF and the European Commission -- in collaboration with national and local authorities -- are aiming to help the Italian hosting system guarantee the protection and inclusion of minors, youths and women.

The project plans to help more than 20,000 minors, youths and women with interventions of protection and inclusion -- more than 10,000 through information.

Over 5,000 operators will receive training on the themes of protection and psychological and social wellbeing.

Partner organizations of the project

The action will reportedly be promoted through cooperation with partner organizations including the Center Penc, Cnca, Don Bosco, Intersos, Junior Achievement Italia and Save the Children.

The project is funded by the European Commission through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.

"As established by the Convention on the rights of the child, all kids have the right to be protected, heard, educated" and to enjoy a "series of rights that are often compromised with migration", stated Sarah Martelli, UNICEF coordinator in Italy in favour of refugee and migrant children and teens.

"The partnership between UNICEF and the European Commission will allow us to boost the capacity of the national system to respond to emergencies to ensure that these rights are respected", she added.

"This project that was launched represents a concrete way to support those in need, in particular migrant and refugee children, teens and women. The EU is committed to protect the most vulnerable," stressed Michael Shotter, the director for migration and asylum at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (HOME).