It’s time to raise the alarm: 2024 was not a kind year to migrant children

As Christmas nears, many children are looking forward to spending the holidays with their families, but for others there is little joy to be had. At CSF, we have always stood for human rights, open borders and positive migration policies that enrich individuals and societies. However, 2024 has underscored the worsening challenges faced by migrant children worldwide—a pressing issue that has prompted us to reflect on the key developments of the year.

In Europe, stricter migration policies are creating harsh realities for children. The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, passed in April and set to take effect in June 2026, emphasises stricter border controls, fast-track asylum procedures and the expedited deportation of rejected asylum seekers. While the regulations mention “fundamental rights,” including those of children, they fail to explicitly protect children from being detained solely for immigration purposes—a clear violation of human rights. Unlike current regulations, the Pact does not prohibit the detention of migrant children.

The disappearance of migrant children across Europe is another alarming issue. Since 2021, an average of 47 children have gone missing daily according to Lost in Europe, with tens of thousands unaccounted for.

The lack of consistent documentation and data collection in European countries exacerbates the problem, making it difficult to determine the true scale of the crisis. Many of these children are feared to have fallen victim to human trafficking and modern slavery, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Additionally, unaccompanied migrant children face exploitation by criminal networks. An investigation from The Guardian this year revealed that African children are being coerced into Europe’s drug trade, particularly in cities like Paris and Brussels. A variety of organisations are using brutal methods, including torture and rape, to control their young victims. These children are trapped in a cycle of exploitation that endangers their lives and futures.

Then there’s the situation in Greece, which has seen a surge in child migrant arrivals, further straining already inadequate resources.

In 2024, over 57,300 migrants entered Greece, with 13,000 children arriving by sea—a 50% increase from the previous year.

A recent report from Save the Children and the Greek Council for Refugees showcases these statistics, plus describes dire conditions in refugee camps, where systemic neglect robs children of their childhoods and basic rights.

Meanwhile, in Russia, migrant children face growing barriers to education—a fundamental human right enshrined in the UN Declaration of Human Rights and guaranteed by Russia’s own constitution.

The Russian State Duma has approved legislation requiring migrant children to pass a Russian language test and verify their legal status to enroll in school.

This law, set to take effect in April 2025, is part of a broader crackdown on migrants following the tragic March 2024 terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall. The response has included harsh penalties for undocumented migrants, inhumane police raids and stricter expulsion rules. These measures, framed as necessary for national security, further marginalise vulnerable migrant children, denying them access to education and opportunity.

Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the right to education.

As you can see, 2024 has been a difficult year, with a number of negative developments in the situation facing migrant children. The global civil society and governments must address these dire realities faced by migrant children—from detention and criminal exploitation to systemic neglect and denial of education. These vulnerable young lives deserve our support—and not just on International Migrant Day.