European Union migration policies are facing scrutiny after a new report from Save the Children alleges they are actively increasing risks for minors traveling to Europe, particularly those fleeing conflict in Sudan. Published on Wednesday, the study claims the EU’s focus on containing asylum seekers in North Africa, through financial and operational support, is inadvertently exposing children to violence and exploitation. The report highlights a concerning trend of increased harm despite decreasing overall arrival numbers.
The findings come as the European Commission recently announced an additional €675 million investment for “effective border management” in North African countries between 2025-2027. Save the Children argues this funding lacks sufficient safeguards to protect children’s rights, a legal obligation for the EU. The organization’s research is based on interviews with 66 children, 19 experts, and 11 caregivers along key transit routes.
The Impact of EU Migration Policies on Children
The report centers on routes used by Sudanese migrants traveling through Egypt, Libya, Greece, and the Western Balkans. It details harrowing experiences reported by children, including severe violence, sexual exploitation, extortion, and prolonged detention at the hands of armed groups in Libya. Additionally, children in Greece reported facing prosecution as human traffickers, while those in the Western Balkans described alleged illegal pushbacks by border police.
According to data from the EU border agency Frontex, the number of asylum seekers reaching Europe’s borders has declined in recent years. This decrease is partially attributed to the EU’s investments in countries of origin and transit, such as Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania. These investments primarily involve providing equipment, training, and operational support to local border forces and coastguards.
However, Save the Children contends that this focus on border enforcement is driving migration flows underground. This makes unaccompanied children more vulnerable to smugglers and less visible to protection systems. The report indicates that while fewer people may be successfully reaching Europe, a growing number of children are becoming trapped in dangerous situations within transit countries.
Increased Vulnerability and Exploitation
The report emphasizes that the EU often delegates the implementation of its investments to Frontex, national governments, or private organizations. This delegation, coupled with a lack of robust child protection mechanisms, creates opportunities for abuse. The increased reliance on external actors to manage border control can lead to a diminished focus on the specific needs of vulnerable migrants, particularly children.
Federica Toscano, a migration expert at Save the Children, stated that the EU invests heavily in border and migration control without adequately ensuring the respect of children’s rights. This oversight, she argues, is contributing to a rise in violations of those rights. The organization stresses the need for a more holistic approach that prioritizes child protection alongside border security.
The Broader Context of African Migration
The EU’s approach to managing migration from Africa is part of a broader effort to address the root causes of displacement, including conflict, poverty, and climate change. However, critics argue that these efforts often prioritize security concerns over the human rights of migrants. The recent increase in funding for border management reflects a growing emphasis on preventing irregular arrivals, even at the potential cost of increased risks for vulnerable populations. The situation in Sudan, marked by ongoing conflict and instability, is a key driver of asylum applications to Europe.
Euronews contacted the European Commission for comment on the report but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Looking ahead, the effectiveness of the EU’s new investment will be closely watched, particularly regarding its impact on the safety and well-being of children. Advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of EU migration policies, as well as a stronger commitment to protecting the rights of all migrants, regardless of their legal status. Further research and monitoring will be crucial to assess the long-term consequences of these policies and to inform future strategies.
