Summary

Back to: Unaccompanied foreign minors

As of June 30, 2019 there were 1,245 reception facilities for UFMs. The Italian regions with the highest numbers of facilities for minors are Sicily (27.39%), Lombardy (11.08%), Emilia-Romagna (8.67%), Campania (7.87%), Lazio (7.31%), and Apulia (5.7%).

The Italian reception system for foreign minors is characterized by an array of different situations which generate uncertainty as to the access to assistance. Generally speaking, various analysis carried out by international organizations (Save the Children, Terre des Hommes, Istituto degli Innocenti, etc.) and by experts show that the reception system presently in force in Italy proves not to adequately meet the specific needs of UFMs. This inadequate response concerns both the expected stay periods in the reception facilities, and the adequacy of services planned/provided against the social and psychological profiles of guests.

A 2017-2018 report issued by the Italian Authority for the Protection of Children and Adolescents (AGIA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) highlighted the following protection gaps:

• 80% of centers visited for the study showed widespread and substantial lack of information and insufficient orientation activities for minors. Inadequate offer of socialization activities was reported in 53% of the cases, while in 47% the stay period in first reception or emergency centers significantly exceeded 30 days, which is the maximum duration established by law. Facility managers complained about delays in the appointment of guardians.
• 80% of minors asked for details and explanations concerning the application procedure for obtaining international protection; 60% inquired about the operating principles of Territorial Commissions which are responsible for the assessment of international protection applications. 70% of minors had experienced hostility or prejudice, while 50% expressed the need to share time and spaces with Italian peers. 40% felt that they had not been involved in decisions concerning their legal path in Italy.
• The minors interviewed for the study reported the lack of occasions and opportunities of socialization with the local community, particularly with Italian peers, which they understandably deem as necessary for their integration and wellbeing. In addition to this, many minors – especially among those arriving from Sub-Saharan African countries – said that they sometimes did not feel safe because of episodes of intolerance and racism that they or other foreign minors had been victims of.