Migrant children in Albania, growing up between journeys and reception centres

"We travel by boat and car. Journeys last for years." Sometimes whispered in a low voice, sometimes told as if it were an adventure, but always with hesitation, migrant children recount their journeys from their homes to Albania. Between the tension of holding back details and the struggle of speaking in a foreign language, these still-young travellers describe long paths towards their dreams. They move forward without knowing when they will reach their destination, carrying both the weight of uncertainty and the fragile hope of arrival.

In one month, five unaccompanied migrant children entered Albania through its borders. Coming from conflict zones or fleeing in search of economic opportunities, many migrant children travel alone or alongside other young people like themselves, but without their families or relatives. Some were barely thirteen when they left their homes behind. For them, migration is not a single journey but years of movement, crossing borders from one country to another. They carry with them only a small bag, worn by endless walking, sea crossings and crowded transport. Inside lie dust and memories, but never the certainty of safety.

At the Registration and Temporary Accommodation Centres in Kapshticë (Devoll), Gërhot (Gjirokastër) and Qafë Botë (Sarandë), through EU4Migration, funded by the European Union, minivans have been handed over to ensure better transport from border crossings to longer-term accommodation centres. While the initiative has a broad focus-strengthening Albania's asylum and migration systems and promoting access to services, integration and long-term inclusion for refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants-it also places special emphasis on unaccompanied children.

"The project has supported the development of contingency plans for mixed migration flows, ensuring responses to diverse situations aligned with EU methodology. Specifically for children, we have worked on creating standard operating procedures for unaccompanied and separated minors, which are currently awaiting approval. These procedures are essential to guaranteeing protection and assistance for vulnerable groups. In addition, we are supporting the establishment of a National Reception Centre in Tirana dedicated to unaccompanied and separated children," says Alketa Gaxha, National Project Coordination Officer at IOM.

While the European Union is supporting the construction and operationalisation of the National Reception Centre in Babrru, children arriving during this interim period are, in line with EU4Migration project provisions, identified at the borders and transported by minivans under the supervision of child protection units. They are then referred to 'Nisma Arsis' in Tirana, an organisation specialised in providing social support and assistance to children.

Gaxha stresses that this project marks a shift from a police-oriented approach to a child protection framework, delivering tangible results in strengthening child protection units, service providers, social services, and support mechanisms for victims and unaccompanied children. By promoting an integrated and coordinated response, cases are now handled with a focus on protection and empowerment. Despite the difficult journeys these children endure, as reflected in the stories they continuously share, the project ensures that their transition is met with care and support.

As part of the EU4Migration project, "Nisma Arsis" implements case management beginning with registration and the provision of basic needs such as shelter, food, medical check-ups, and health and psychological assessments. Understanding their stories not only helps better assess their mental and physical conditions, but also assists in identifying potential victims of trafficking. Each child undergoes an interview process under the supervision of a psychologist and a social worker, who note that many of them arrive in serious emotional or psychological distress. Given their exposure to traumatic experiences, particular care is taken to prevent re-traumatisation by explaining the purpose of the reception centre and reassuring them that they are safe, protected, and that all the information they share remains confidential.

"Communication is often challenging, particularly when children speak rare languages. Recently, we received children from Iraq and Egypt, including one who spoke only Kurdish, making interaction extremely difficult. At first, most arrive confused, recounting the hardships of the journey-hunger, exhaustion and deprivation. Some speak with emotion, seeing themselves as adults travelling alone, even expressing a sense of freedom. Many have been separated from their families for years. In one case, a child had been away from home for six years, spending one or two years in different countries along the way," social workers at "Nisma Arsis" explain.

Initially hesitant to share details, over time they become more open. After days or weeks, they begin to draw, play, participate in social activities, and share their culture-sometimes even cooking traditional foods. They do not usually stay in Albania for more than a month, but if they wish to remain, EU4Migration offers other programmes supporting their integration. Through its various components, the EU4Migration project seeks to provide comfort and support to migrant children growing up while travelling alone.

Background information

The EU4Migration project is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and IOM, the International Organization for Migration, in close partnership with the Government of Albania. The project aims to strengthen Albania's asylum and migration systems in line with EU and international standards, supporting the country's EU integration process. The initiative focuses on enhancing protection-sensitive border management, reinforcing institutional capacities, and ensuring improved protection and services for asylum-seekers, refugees and migrants. It also promotes access to social and economic opportunities, supporting long-term inclusion and community cohesion.