PRESS RELEASE – FINAL EUROPEAN CONFERENCE

The final European conference of the CIVILHOOD project, held in Athens on February 15, 2024, marked a significant achievement in efforts to support unaccompanied minors. The event brought together partners from Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, along with guests from civil society, political organizations, and the European Commission. Over 70 attendees participated in discussions that showcased the project’s progress and outcomes, emphasizing the promotion of unaccompanied minors as rights-holders.

Esteemed speakers, including representatives from ARSIS, the Slovenian Embassy in Greece, the European Commission, and the Greek Ministry of Migration & Asylum, reiterated their support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of cross-national collaboration and the exchange of best practices for the betterment of vulnerable youths.

The conference featured three roundtable discussions, addressing challenges faced by unaccompanied minors, strategies for their integration into the workforce, and policy recommendations at the EU and national levels. These discussions underlined the collective effort required to enhance the social and vocational skills of these minors, facilitating their transition to autonomy and employment.

The CIVILHOOD project has been praised for its comprehensive approach towards improving the employability and social integration of unaccompanied minors through education, training, and supportive networks. The outcomes of this project are expected to have a lasting impact on labour markets, policy development, and support mechanisms for unaccompanied minors across the EU.