Leading international organizations issued a sharp recommendation to Bulgarian institutions regarding the creation of an effective mechanism to support underage refugees without parental supervision. During an expert meeting in Sofia on May 21, challenges to the guardianship system were analyzed.
During the discussion, organized by the Council of Europe and UNHCR on July 27, 2025, results were presented that reveal serious gaps in national migration policy. Specialists from UNHCR, ADRF, and IOM emphasized the critical need for legislative changes and building a comprehensive approach to refugee children's care.
Experts found that existing short-term solutions are extremely insufficient. They insisted on creating an intersectoral coordination body that would guarantee legal protection, psychosocial support, and full educational integration of unaccompanied minors.
The main goal of the initiative is to develop a national model that provides comprehensive care for refugee children. Future financing and systematic resolution of problems related to their social adaptation and protection of their fundamental rights are planned.