OIM - Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes de 2025

Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes REGIONAL ANALYSIS REPORT Italy, lead of the RDPP NA ConsortiumFunded by the European UnionThe opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the report do not imply expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM or UNICEF concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well‑being of migrants. The IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028 emphasizes placing migrants including children on the move and their protection at the centre of our operations and decision‑making. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non‑political and impartial, we are never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures. And we never give up. _____________________________ The Publication was made possible through the Regional Development and Protection Programme in North Africa and Key Routes with the generous support of The European Union, through The Directorate‑General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), and the Italian Ministry of Interior – Department for Civil Liberties and Immigration.

_____________________________ The Publication was made possible through the Regional Development and Protection Programme in North Africa and Key Routes with the generous support of The European Union, through The Directorate‑General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), and the Italian Ministry of Interior – Department for Civil Liberties and Immigration.

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Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children Children on the Move in North Africa and Along Key Routes REGIONAL ANALYSIS REPORT IOM and UNICEF Regional Offices Regional Office for Middle East and North Africa Regional Office for West and Central Africa© IOM 2024/Naomi BURNETTChildren on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Core Project T eam

Lead Researcher and Author: Emily Reid

Statistical Analyst: Evans Muchiri

Project Managers: Eva Pons, Rawaa Ahmed

Core Team Members: Asfand Waqar, Lobna Nahla, Phineas Jasi

Design, Layout and Review: Publications Unit IOM and UNICEF Core Contributors With sincere thanks to Adele Uwimana Rutsobe, Asfand Waqar, Aurela Hoxha, Claire Emilie Galez‑Da vis, Emily Reid, Emily Thuo, Eva Pons, Evans Muchiri, Faith Freeman, Haitham Khoudary, Josiah Kaplan, Khaled Khaled, Khobib Elsayed Awad Mohamed, Laura Bartolini, Laila Zaid, Lobna Nahla, Marianne Lane, Phineas Jasi, Rawaa Ahmed, Riham Abouelhassan, Rosal Maya Fischer, Ruslana Sirman, Sacha Chan Kam, Sébastien Nodjimbadem, Silvia Spinuso, Stine Laursen and Tasha Gill. Child Protection Focal Points This Regional Analysis Report on Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes: Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children, was made possible by the dedicated and tireless

Tasha Gill. Child Protection Focal Points This Regional Analysis Report on Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes: Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children, was made possible by the dedicated and tireless efforts of thousands of front ‑ line Child Protection caseworkers directly supporting migrant children across the ten countries in North Africa, West Africa and the Mediterranean region. Pen names have been used for all migrant children in the case studies and quotes, and all other identifying details have been anonymized to protect their identity. With gratitude to Save the Children, UNHCR and ICRC for their support.© UNICEF 2025/Moulay SAMBAChildren on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children v CONTENTS Acknowledgements‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ iii List of Acronyms ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ viii

T erminology ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ xi Executive Summary ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ xv Research Overview ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ xviii FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS Summary of Migration Trends in North Africa ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 2

MIGRATION ROUTE DEEP DIVE

1. CENTRAL MEDITERRANE AN ROUTE ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 15 1.1. Unaccompa nied Children’s Stories ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 15 1.2. Migration T rends ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 17

1.2. Migration T rends ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 17 1.3. Migration Driv ers ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 21 1.4. Pr otection Risks and Vulnerabilities in Transit ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 27 1.5. R esilience and Coping Strategies ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 53 1.6. Childr en’s Dreams and Views ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 59

2. WESTERN MEDITERRANE AN ROUTE ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 61 2.1. Unaccompa nied Children’s Stories ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 61 2.2. Migra nt Trends ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 63

2.2. Migra nt Trends ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 63 2.3. Migration Driv ers ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 66 2.4. Pr otection Risks and Vulnerabilities in Transit ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 70 2.5. Childr en’s Resilience and Coping Strategies ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 77 2.6. Childr en’s Dreams and Views ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 81

3. WESTERN AFRIC AN ATLANTIC ROUTE ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 83 3.1. Unaccompa nied Children’s Stories ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 83

3.2. Migration T rends ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 83 3.3. Migration Driv ers ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 87 3.4. Pr otection Risks and Vulnerabilities in Transit ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 90 3.5. R esilience and Coping Strategies ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 98 3.6. Childr en’s Dreams and Views ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 99

THEMATIC HIGHLIGHTS

1. Child T rafficking Snapshot ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 103

2. Arbit rary Detention Snapshot ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 105

3. Unaccompa nied and Separated Children Snapshot ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 108

3. Unaccompa nied and Separated Children Snapshot ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 108

4. Gender , Age, Disability and Inclusion Snapshot ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 110

Conclusions ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 115 Recommendations ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 119 Annex ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 131 References ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 135Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children vi LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES Figure 1. Childr en on the Move Statistics, by Migration Route ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 2

Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children vi LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES Figure 1. Childr en on the Move Statistics, by Migration Route ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 2 Figure 2. Arriva ls to Europe by Migration Route, by Year (2016–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 3 Figure 3. Arriva ls in Europe, by Migration Route (2016–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 3 Figure 4. R easons for Migrant Youth to Leave their Country, by Migration Route (2023) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 4 Figure 5. P ercentage of Migrant Youth in Europe who Experienced Difficulties on the Journey ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 6 Figure 6. Childr en Deaths and Disappearance by Migration Route (2014–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 6 Figure 7. Causes of Child Deat h, by Route (2014–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 9 Figure 8. Migra nt Deaths and Disappearances, by Route (2014–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 9 Figure 9. V ulnerable Migrants Registered by IOM, by Country and Year (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 10 Figure 10. V ulnerable Migrants Registered by IOM, by Migration Route (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 10

Figure 10. V ulnerable Migrants Registered by IOM, by Migration Route (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 10 Figure 11. Unaccompa nied and Separated Children Registered, by Country (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 11 Figure 12. V ulnerable Migrants Registered by IOM, by Country (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 11 Figure 13. Unaccompa nied and Separated Children Registrations by Country (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 11 Figure 14. Childr en Under 12 Years, by Case T ype and Gender (2016–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 12 Figure 15. Childr en 13–17 Years, by Case T ype and Gender (2016–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 12 Figure 16. P otential Victims of Trafficking Assisted in North Africa, by Route (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 13 Figure 17. V ictims of Trafficking Assisted by Country (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 13 Figure 18. Mont hly Migrant Arrivals to Italy on the CMR (January to December 2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 18 Figure 19. Migra nts Registered and Assisted, by Year – CMR (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 19

Figure 19. Migra nts Registered and Assisted, by Year – CMR (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 19 Figure 20. Ca se Categories, by Gender – CMR (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 20 Figure 21. Ca ses of Child Trafficking in North Africa by Gender and Year ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 21 Figure 22. Cause of deat hs on CMR (2014–2024)‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ 29 Figure 23. Number of Childr en Identified in the CTDC, by Country of Exploitation, by Year (2016–2022) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 35 Figure 24. W ays that Traffickers Controlled Children on the CMR (2016–2023) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 36 Figure 25. Girl V ictims of Trafficking and T ypes of Exploitation on the CMR by Year (2016–2023) ‑‑‑‑ 36 Figure 26. T rends in Girl Victims of Trafficking on the CMR by Year (2016–2023) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 39

Figure 26. T rends in Girl Victims of Trafficking on the CMR by Year (2016–2023) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 39 Figure 27. T rends in Boy Victims of Trafficking on the CMR by Year (2016–2023) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 39 Figure 28. Child V ictims of Trafficking Registered by Gender, by Year (2017–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 39 Figure 29. Childr en with Special Needs by Gender and Year (2017–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 47 Figure 30. Childr en with Health Needs and Victims of Trafficking, by Gender on the CMR ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 47Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children vii Figure 31. Mont hly Migrant Arrivals to Spain on the WMR (January–December 2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 63 Figure 32. Migra nt Deaths and Disappearances on WMR (2014–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 64 Figure 33. V ulnerable Migrant Case Categories by Gender (2017–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 65 Figure 34. Count ries of Origin for Vulnerable Registered Children (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 65 Figure 35. Causes of Deat hs on WMR – 2024 (2014–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 70

Figure 35. Causes of Deat hs on WMR – 2024 (2014–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 70 Figure 36. W AAR Monthly Migrant Arrivals to the Canary Islands (Spain) for 2024 ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 83 Figure 37. Number of IOM V ulnerable Migrants Assisted on the WAAR by year (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑ 85 Figure 38. Categories of V ulnerable Migrant Children, by Gender, WAAR ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 86 Figure 39. V ulnerable Migrant Children, by Gender and Categories on WAAR (2020–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 86 Figure 40. Origin Count ries for Registered Children on the WAAR ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 87 Figure 41. Migra nt Deaths and Disappearances on WAAR (2015–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 87 Figure 42. Cause of Deat hs on WAAR (2014–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 91 Figure 43. T rends in Girl Victims of Trafficking on the WAAR by Year (2016–2023) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 93 Figure 44. T rends in Boy Victims of Trafficking on the WAAR by Year (2016–2023) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 93 Figure 45. W ays that Traffickers Controlled Child Victims of Trafficking on the WAAR (2016–2023) ‑‑ 93

Figure 45. W ays that Traffickers Controlled Child Victims of Trafficking on the WAAR (2016–2023) ‑‑ 93 Figure 46. Migra nt Children Cases: Medical and Victims of Trafficking, on WAAR (2017–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑ 94 Figure 47. P otential Victims of Trafficking Registered by IOM, by Age, by Year (2017–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 103 Figure 48. P ercentage of Unaccompanied and Separated Children, by Gender and Route (2017–2024) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 109 Figure 49. Childr en IOM Registered by Age, in North Africa ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 112 Table 1. T ype of Trafficking in Adults in North Africa ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 38 Table 2. T ype of Trafficking in Children in North Africa ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 38 Table 3. Migra nt Youth’s Experiences During the Journey ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 45 Table 4. Mea ns of Control for Adults Victims of Trafficking in North Africa ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 45 Table 5. Mea ns of Control for Migrant Child Victims of Trafficking in North Africa ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 45Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes

Table 5. Mea ns of Control for Migrant Child Victims of Trafficking in North Africa ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 45Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children viii LIST OF ACRONYMS ACRWC African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (or Children’s Charter) AVRR Assisted voluntary return and reintegration CMR Central Mediterranean Route CTDC Counter‑T rafficking Data Collaborative CRC Convention on the Rights of the Child DTM Displacement Tracking Matrix FGD Focus Group Discussions FMS Flow Monitoring Survey GBV Gender‑ based violence ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross IOM International Organization for Migration KII Key Informant Interviews MENA Middle East and North Africa MHPSS Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services MiMOSA Migrant Management Operational System Application MMP Missing Migrants Project OHCHR United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights NGO Non‑governmental organization UASC Unaccompanied and/or Separated Children UNCRC United Nations Convention on the Rights of the ChildChildren on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children ix UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund UNODC United Nations United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime USD United States Dollar VOT Victim of Trafficking WAAR Western African Atlantic Route WMR Western Mediterranean Route© UNICEF 2024/Said Mrigua HARDLIGHTChildren on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children xi

TERMINOLOGY

The study has adopted the following definitions: Asylum-seeker is “any person seeking international protection. In some countries, it is used as a legal term referring to a person who has applied for refugee status or a complementary international protection status and has not yet received a final decision on their claim. It can also refer to a person who

Asylum-seeker is “any person seeking international protection. In some countries, it is used as a legal term referring to a person who has applied for refugee status or a complementary international protection status and has not yet received a final decision on their claim. It can also refer to a person who has not yet submitted an application but may intend to do so, or may be in need of international protection…”1 Child is defined by the United Nations as anyone under the age of 18 years, acknowledging the specific vulnerabilities and legal protections afforded to children.2 Children on the move is an umbrella term for mobile children which “refers to those who have been directly or indirectly affected by migration and displacement, either internationally across borders or within the same country.  This encompasses migrant children and children of migrants; children in need of international protection, such as refugees and asylum ‑seekers or unaccompanied children; internally displaced children; children indirectly affected by migration and displacement, such as those who stay behind while parents or caregivers migrate; stateless children; and child victims of cross‑border trafficking”.3 Child trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation. Unlike adult trafficking, however, the use of coercion, deception, or force is not relevant to be considered a victim, the mere act of moving a child for exploitative purposes constitutes trafficking in persons. 4 Exploitation can encompass various forms, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery, servitude, and the removal of organs. Internal displacement is “the involuntary or forced movement, evacuation or relocation of persons or groups of persons within internationally recognized State borders”.5 International migration is “the movement of persons away from their place of usual residence and across an international border to a country of which they are not nationals”.6 1 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), n.d. 2 United Nations Treaty Collection, 1989. 3 International Data Alliance for Children on the Move (IDAC), 2023.

and across an international border to a country of which they are not nationals”.6 1 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), n.d. 2 United Nations Treaty Collection, 1989. 3 International Data Alliance for Children on the Move (IDAC), 2023. 4 UNICEF, 2006. 5 UNHCR, n.d. 6 IOM, n.d. (last accessed 10 January 2025).Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children xii Migrant is a person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a State away from their habitual place of residence regardless of (1)  their legal status; (2) whether the movement is voluntary or involuntary; (3) what the causes for the movement are; or (4) what the length of the stay is.7 Missing migrants are migrants who die or disappear during migration to an international destination, regardless of legal status. This includes those who die at sea, in deserts, or in other remote areas, as well as those whose remains are never recovered or identified.8 Refugee is “a person who, owing to a well ‑founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it”.9 Route-based approach is an analytical and operational framework used to examine the entire migration journey across countries of origin, transit, and destination –  particularly in mixed migration contexts. It addresses the evolving risks and protection needs that migrants and refugees face at each stage, recognizing the compounding vulnerabilities along irregular routes. The approach enables coordinated, context ‑ specific responses tailored to

migration journey across countries of origin, transit, and destination –  particularly in mixed migration contexts. It addresses the evolving risks and protection needs that migrants and refugees face at each stage, recognizing the compounding vulnerabilities along irregular routes. The approach enables coordinated, context ‑ specific responses tailored to specific migration corridors, including measures to prevent trafficking and exploitation, improve access to services, and strengthen safe, regular pathways throughout the journey.10 Separated children “… are children… who have been separated from both parents, or from their previous legal or customary primary caregiver, but not necessarily from other relatives. These may, therefore, include children accompanied by other adult family members.”11 Smuggling of migrants is the procurement, in order to obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit, of the irregular entry of a person into a State Party of which the person is not a national or a permanent resident.12 Unaccompanied children “… are children… who have been separated from both parents and other relatives and are not being cared for by an adult who, by law or custom, is responsible for doing so.”13 Vulnerability Within a migration context, vulnerability is the limited capacity to avoid, resist, cope with, or recover from harm. This limited capacity is the result of the unique interaction of individual, household, community, and structural characteristics and conditions.14 7 Ibid. 8 IOM, 2025a. 9 UNHCR, 1977, p. 137. 10 UNHCR, 2024b. 11 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), 2005. 12 IOM, n.d. 13 OHCHR, 2005. 14 IOM, n.d.Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children xiii Vulnerable migrant Migrant(s) vulnerable to violence, exploitation or abuse: a migrant or group of migrants exposed to or with experience of rights violations, violence, exploitation or abuse within the context of migration and with

Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children xiii Vulnerable migrant Migrant(s) vulnerable to violence, exploitation or abuse: a migrant or group of migrants exposed to or with experience of rights violations, violence, exploitation or abuse within the context of migration and with limited capability to avoid, resist, cope or recover, as a result of the unique interaction of individual, household/family, community and structural characteristics and conditions.15 Youth in this report refers to children and young adults between 14 to 24 years of age based on the DTM methodology and age range within the datasets used. This deviates slightly from the United Nations definition, which includes the ranges 15 to 24 years of age for statistical purposes.16 15 IOM, 2023c, p. xiv. 16 UN DESA, 1981.© IOM 2024Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes Trends, Vulnerabilities and Experiences of Migrant Children xv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In North Africa and along key migratory routes, widespread and worsening violations were reported against children in all seven key transit countries. The regional analysis report on Children on the Move in North Africa and along Key Routes highlights a sharp increase in child protection risks across each migration route. The data reveals clear, decade‑ long patterns of preventable violence, child trafficking, and child fatalities. In 2024 alone, 127 children lost their lives or disappeared (5%) during overland or maritime journeys towards Europe. These are not isolated incidents – these deaths are increasing due to systemic gaps in child protection systems that should include and safeguard children on the move.17 The research challenges common narratives of economic migration. The majority of girls and female youth (70%) reported leaving home for safety reasons: 35 per cent due to personal violence and 35 per cent due to war and conflict. 18 Similarly, just over half of boys and male youth (51%) left for safety, including 29 per cent due to war and conflict, 20 per cent due to personal violence, and 2 per cent due to forced

due to war and conflict. 18 Similarly, just over half of boys and male youth (51%) left for safety, including 29 per cent due to war and conflict, 20 per cent due to personal violence, and 2 per cent due to forced conscription. The findings also show that children who experienced violence in their home countries were far more likely to encounter violence again in transit on their migration journey, compared to children who did not flee threats. In 2024, IOM registered 15,691 vulnerable migrant children for assistance in seven key transit countries, including 2,989 unaccompanied and separated children, 979 with critical health needs and 396 identified as potential victims of trafficking.19 Boys outnumbered girls among registered and unaccompanied children across all seven countries included in the data analysis. However, girls were more often identified as trafficking victims in Libya, Egypt and Mauritania. Over the past eight years, official CTDC cases show that child trafficking in North Africa has taken many forms: in Egypt, children were trafficked into hospitality, forced labour, construction, and sexual exploitation; in Libya, into forced labour, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude; in Morocco, into prostitution, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and labour exploitation; and in Tunisia, into intimate partner exploitation, forced labour, prostitution, and pornography. These patterns underscore the vast diversity of exploitation and children’s heightened vulnerability across the region. In 2023, 55,704 children arrived in Europe, including 35,510 unaccompanied or separated children (UASC) — more than double the number in 2021. Italy alone received nearly 27,000 UASC, almost triple the 2021 figure, making the Central Mediterranean Route the epicentre of this crisis for the most highly vulnerable category of children.20 The report analyses key quantitative and qualitative data across the main migration routes, adopting a routes‑based framework that takes a multi ‑count ry, multi ‑ stage perspective to assess migration dynamics and protection risks. It explores the risks, vulnerabilities, and resilience of children on the move along the Central Mediterranean Route, the Western Mediterranean Route, and the West African Atlantic Route.

routes‑based framework that takes a multi ‑count ry, multi ‑ stage perspective to assess migration dynamics and protection risks. It explores the risks, vulnerabilities, and resilience of children on the move along the Central Mediterranean Route, the Western Mediterranean Route, and the West African Atlantic Route. The analysis covers conditions and experiences across origin, transit, and destination, highlighting how different locations and phases of migration are interlinked – shaping both the routes taken and the lived experiences of children. • The Central Mediterranean Route (CMR) remains the deadliest migration path for children. From 2014 to 2024, over 855 children were reported missing or dead. In 2024 alone, 1,719 migrants died or disappeared into the sea, including at least 82 children (5%).21 Deaths peaked in 2019 when 133 children were lost in one year. Persistent risks on this route include trafficking, extortion and forced labour as children move through Egypt, Libya, the Niger and