Unaccompanied foreign minors: Inadequate funding puts children's rights at risk
The resources allocated by the National Fund for the Reception of Unaccompanied Foreign Minors are insufficient. This was stated by ANCI , the National Association of Italian Municipalities, in a letter sent to the government earlier this summer. This is now being reiterated by 23 organizations committed to promoting the rights of unaccompanied minors, noting that " municipalities are crucial to the successful inclusion of the many minors who arrive in Italy fleeing violence, persecution, human rights violations, and poverty."
According to the organizations, "many Italian municipalities are working tirelessly to ensure adequate reception, despite the limitations of a still-emergency and poorly structured structure that is not in line with Law 47 of 2017, which often makes it difficult to implement a planned approach. Given this commitment, it is essential that the government act by supporting local authorities in this exercise of responsibility , as required by Legislative Decree 142 of 2015, which stipulates that the reception of unaccompanied minors must not entail any expense or burden on municipalities."
There is serious concern, which is fueling calls for structural measures. "In 2023 and 2024, Italian municipalities faced partial reimbursements for their expenses, resulting in a shortfall of at least €190 million over this two-year period," reads a statement released by Save the Children . "These funds have already been allocated by local governments for the reception of minors and risk causing serious problems for their financial stability, as well as the quality of reception. The circular recently issued by the Department for Civil Liberties and Immigration of the Ministry of the Interior predicts a complex scenario for 2025 as well ."
If this situation continues further, the 23 organizations warn, it will inevitably impact the rights of thousands of unaccompanied adolescents and children in Italy, who risk not receiving adequate care and support and, consequently, sinking into marginalization. "In anticipation of the discussion of the next budget bill," they write, " the Government is urged to provide adequate funding to cover expenses for the previous two-year period and the next three-year period , as part of a discussion with the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) regarding spending forecasts and the needs of municipalities."
The organizations that have signed the appeal are: Agevolando , Ai.Bi. Amici dei Bambini , Arci , Caritas Italiana , Casa dei diritti sociali , Centro Astalli , CeSPI , Cidas , Cies , Cismai , Migrantes & Gpic Commissions of the Comboni Missionaries, Italian Council for Refugees , CivicoZero cooperative , Cnca , Defence for Children , Europasilo , Fondazione Migrantes , Terre des Hommes Italia , Intersos , Oxfam , Save the Children , SOS Children's Villages and Tutors in the Network .
The opening photo is by Melanie Stander on Unsplash
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