Ensamkommande

Ensamkommande refers to unaccompanied minor refugees who travel alone to a foreign country, typically without a parent or other adult companion. These minors, often teenagers, may have experienced conflict, persecution, or poverty in their home country, leading them to flee and seek asylum in another country.

The term ensamkommande is commonly used in Sweden, where a significant number of unaccompanied minors have sought asylum in recent years. According to the Swedish Migration Agency, the number of ensamkommande minors increased dramatically between 2014 and 2016, coinciding with the European migrant crisis.

Numerous factors contribute to the vulnerability of ensamkommande minors, including difficulties integrating into their host societies, social isolation, and heightened risk of human trafficking or exploitation. Many have experienced trauma, including loss of family members, violence, or separation from their loved ones during their journey.

Receiving countries often struggle to provide adequate care and support for these vulnerable minors. In Sweden, for example, concerns have been raised about the capacity and preparedness of local authorities to handle the influx of ensamkommande minors, leading to debates about ensuring their proper care and integration.

Efforts to support ensamkommande minors have been made, including providing mental health services, educational and vocational training, and ongoing support to help them adjust to their new lives. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has also set out guidelines for the protection and care of unaccompanied and separated children, emphasizing the need for special consideration of their particular needs.