Greece is facing an escalating humanitarian crisis, with the arrival of unaccompanied minors reaching alarming levels, particularly along a new trafficking route from Libya to Crete. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are calling it a “children’s emergency,” urging immediate action from authorities to provide protection and safe spaces for these vulnerable children.
The UNHCR reports that the number of child arrivals has more than doubled in 2024 compared to last year, with 13,000 minors arriving in November alone. Many of these children come from war-torn regions like Syria and Egypt, arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs. The sharp rise in child arrivals has overwhelmed Greece’s already strained refugee support system, with overcrowded camps and shelters leading to reports of abuse, including a shocking incident at a refugee camp near Athens.
The crisis is exacerbated by Greece’s migration policies, including cuts to shelter funding, which has left 1,500 unaccompanied minors without adequate housing. With political instability and the climate crisis worsening the situation, experts predict that pressure on migration routes will continue into 2025. NGOs, including Save the Children, are demanding urgent reforms and more EU support to ensure the safety and well-being of these children.
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