Children on the Move in Greece: January – April 2025

This report highlights a significant increase in asylum applications in Greece in 2024, with children comprising 25% of all applicants, of whom 20% are unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). It documents critical gaps in child protection, especially in overcrowded and under-resourced “safe zones,” where unaccompanied children face de facto detention, poor living conditions, and limited access to medical care, legal aid, and education. A failing guardianship system and reduced reception capacity further heighten children’s vulnerability. The report calls for urgent EU and national action, including immediate relocation mechanisms, a shift toward community-based accommodation, and guaranteed access to education and child-appropriate services.