The alarming trend of migrant children disappearing daily across Europe continues to escalate, with recent research revealing that approximately 47 children go missing each day. This concerning phenomenon underscores the acute vulnerabilities these young individuals face, particularly their heightened risk of falling into human trafficking networks.

Rising numbers and systemic challenges

According to the latest findings by Lost in Europe, more than 50,000 unaccompanied migrant children have been reported missing since 2021 in 31 European countries. Ireland, for instance, has seen a staggering 500% increase in children arriving alone and claiming asylum. The country’s child agency reported that 607 unaccompanied minors were referred to their care in the last 15 months, with 243 of these cases occurring in just the first three months of 2024. These children often come from conflict-ridden regions like Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan, making them particularly susceptible to exploitation. The alarming rise in disappearances points to significant gaps in the system’s ability to protect these vulnerable young migrants from the myriad dangers they face, including trafficking and exploitation in the sex industry.

“They are at a higher risk of being targeted by traffickers, if not already exploited by smugglers to pay off debts, or because they hold control over their loved ones or their passports.” – Aagje Ieven, Secretary General for Missing Children Europe

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