site.btaSofia University Roundtable: Bulgaria Needs Modern and Humane System to Protect and Integrate Migrant Children

Bulgaria must build a sustainable, modern and humane system for the protection and integration of migrant children and those seeking international protection, according to the shared view of experts participating in a roundtable on policies for unaccompanied and separated migrant children. The discussion was organized by Sofia University and held in the Bulgarian capital on Monday.

Vice President Iliana Iotova stated that the integration of refugees is not only an administrative challenge but a human responsibility. It begins from the first day, from the first contact with the new society, from the first gesture of respect and dignity, she added. According to her, Bulgaria must move beyond a reactive model and develop long-term policies. Iotova noted the positive cooperation between institutions and international partners but stressed that "targeted measures, adequate budgets and national consensus on the need to protect migrant children" are essential. She said that the successful integration of all children, regardless of their background, is a matter of overall social consolidation. "Children must be at the centre of policies," the Vice President stated.

UNICEF Representative to Bulgaria Christina de Bruin said that every child, no matter where they are born, has the right to protection, care and access to services. She emphasized that Bulgaria faces a growing number of unaccompanied and vulnerable children on the move and must invest in violence prevention, quality care, education and health services. According to her, the long-term development of the country "depends on supporting every child to reach their potential".

The Head of the UNHCR Representation in Bulgaria, Seda Kuzucu, said that 2024 has confronted the country with serious challenges due to the increased number of children crossing borders. She explained that most of them come from conflict zones, are often traumatised and unaccompanied. "The legal framework is good, but its implementation requires greater capacity, coordination and resilience," Kuzucu said. She identified as key priorities the accelerated registration process, specialized services for children, protection from violence and trafficking, access to education and integration programmes. "A systemic approach is needed, not a crisis approach," she stressed.

Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Ivan Krastev highlighted the responsibility of the state to guarantee safety, support and development for every child. He presented the role of the social services, mobile teams and interinstitutional mechanisms that provide emergency and follow-up support to unaccompanied children. Krastev underlined the need to improve coordination, resources and system capacity, as well as to ensure quality care and access to education, including for children with special needs. "Despite the serious challenges, Bulgaria has the potential to develop a stable system for protecting these children," he said.

Participants in the roundtable agreed on the need to introduce sustainable policies for unaccompanied and vulnerable migrant children, to improve care and social support, and to strengthen prevention against trafficking, violence and exploitation. It was emphasized that integration requires joint action among institutions, local authorities, international organizations and the NGO sector.