Since May 2024, the project “National Emergency Response Mechanism (NERM)” is supported within the framework of the Swiss-Greek Cooperation Programme. It aims to enhance child protection services for unaccompanied migrant children (UMC) identified as homeless or living in precarious conditions. By strengthening the operational aspects of NERM’s services, the project will mitigate risks of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking while addressing critical accommodation needs. The intervention involves tracing and referring UMC to suitable care arrangements through information desks, mobile units, tele-interpretation services, and escort mechanisms. NERM’s comprehensive framework operates under the General Secretariat for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection, coordinating with key stakeholders, including the NGOs ARSIS, Network for Children's Rights, and Metadrasi, to provide immediate support and holistic care. It is an essential component of Greece’s National Strategy for the Protection of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors, contributing to sustainable migration management and promoting social inclusion.

Project description

Since 2018, Greece has faced increasing numbers of unaccompanied migrant children, with many living in unsafe or unknown conditions. A lack of adequate shelter has led to the institutionalization of mechanisms like protective custody, which fail to meet child protection standards. The establishment of NERM, supported by legal frameworks such as Law 4939/2022, has filled a critical gap in addressing the immediate needs of homeless UMC by providing tracing, referral, and safe placement services. NERM combines field operations, including mobile units and information desks, with centralized coordination through a 24/7 tracing line. This integrated approach has successfully identified and referred thousands of children to age-appropriate accommodations since its inception, earning international recognition as a best practice in child protection.

Objectives

The project aims to provide immediate protection for unaccompanied migrant children through effective tracing, referral, and escort mechanisms. It ensures that children identified as homeless or living in precarious conditions receive comprehensive child protection services and are placed in appropriate accommodations. By coordinating efforts among stakeholders, NERM enhances institutional capacity and contributes to a long-term policy framework for child protection.

Target groups

The primary beneficiaries are unaccompanied migrant children identified as homeless or living in precarious conditions. Secondary beneficiaries include institutional actors and civil society organizations involved in child protection, who benefit from coordinated and standardized response mechanisms.

Activities

The project involves the operation of mobile units and information desks in Attica and Central Macedonia to trace and assist homeless UMC, tele-interpretation services for the tracing line to improve communication, and escort mechanisms to ensure safe transfers to accommodation facilities. Additionally, it supports field operations with trained staff providing psychological first aid, legal assistance, and logistical support.

Federal office responsible

Federal Department of Justice and Police / State Secretariat for Migration