Since the beginning of the year, a high number of people have arrived via sea in Italy, including over 12,000 unaccompanied migrant minors. In light of the special needs of children and adolescents that arrive alone without adults to look after them, the interior ministry and UNICEF reiterated their "commitment to ensure their full protection, beginning with the most vulnerable cases."

This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting held on September 1, attended by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis.

More support from UNICEF to Italian authorities

During their meeting, Piantedosi and De Dominicis reaffirmed their joint commitment for children's rights in the context of migration. They emphasized the critical importance of continuing and strengthening their collaborative efforts, which were initially established in 2016.

To this end, UNICEF said it will intensify its support to Italian authorities working for the protection and social inclusion of minors, families, and survivors of or those at risk of gender-based violence. UNICEF's interventions will encompass psychosocial support, facilitating the placement of unaccompanied foreign minors, ensuring access to information, and providing guidance. Particular attention will be given to minors under the age of 14.

More resources for services in initial reception centers

To deal with growing needs connected with migration pressures, the interior ministry said it will take action to find additional funds to ensure quality services for unaccompanied foreign minors in initial reception centers.

Taking part in the meeting were also the deputy head of the cabinet, Prefect Vittorio Lapolla, deputy head of the department for civil liberties and immigration, Prefect Rosanna Rabuano, the coordinator for Italy for the UNICEF Office for Europe and Central Asia, Nicola Dell'Arciprete, and the director general of the Italian National Committee for UNICEF, Paolo Rozera.