Unaccompanied minors arriving in Belgium are often very vulnerable given their age and new, unfamiliar environment after a long and dangerous trek from home. They are therefore entitled to a guardian to represent them and ensure their wellbeing.
There is currently a record number of 660 active guardians taking on 3,776 guardianships. Some are volunteers, while others are employees linked to associations, such as social services or NGOs.
In recent years, however, successive conflict situations have seen a greatly increased influx of minors arriving without parents, putting pressure on the availability of guardians. Efforts have been made to increase guardians, and the number of young people on the waiting list has now decreased from 1,840 at the start of this year to 1,200 as a result, but the situation remains precarious.
"The war in Ukraine has pushed the figures for 2022 to an all-time high. Moreover, the conflict in the Middle East may create a new wave in the coming period," said Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt.
However, the Guardianship Service of the Ministry of Justice has now signed protocol agreements with the Centre for General Welfare Work (CAW) to employ 15 new employee guardians, ten of whom will be provided by various Flemish CAWs. They can take on a large number of guardianships at the same time, which should significantly reduce the waiting list.
Specialised help
This means 300 to 400 unaccompanied minors now have the prospect of a guardian. "Moreover, the expertise of the CAWs will make it possible to appoint more specialised guardians for minors with special profiles," said Van Tigchelt, referring to young people with serious medical or psychological problems, pregnant girls, and minors who may be victims of abuse, violence and exploitation.
"Our centres in Flanders and Brussels are mainly known for their psychosocial assistance to vulnerable people. Migration and precarious residence is a complex event that affects the wellbeing of refugees in various ways," stated CAW Groep Director Bart Claes.
"CAW's ambition is to strengthen refugees' resilience to live their lives. This new assignment of guardianship for minors who arrive in our country without parents fits into this," he concluded.
