Unaccompanied Minors Seeking Asylum in Suðurnesjabær: A Growing Concern
As of mid-August, a total of 41 unaccompanied minors have entered child protection services in Suðurnesjabær, Iceland. These minors, primarily boys aged 15 to 18, are seeking international protection. While younger children or girls rarely arrive alone, efforts are being made to quickly find them homes, a process which has been largely successful.
Specialized Support and Comprehensive Care
Currently, two municipal employees are responsible for the care of 20 boys aged 18 and under. Fourteen of these boys are placed with foster families, while six reside in municipally-run group homes where they manage their own household with assistance. A municipal contract with the state, initiated in January, is set to expire at the end of the year. This agreement ensures child protection services and a dedicated two-person team oversee all aspects related to the reception and residence of refugee children, including their sustenance, education, and preparation for life in Iceland. Such a coordinated reception had not been present before.
Sandra Bjarnadóttir, one of the project managers for unaccompanied children, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. Both project managers work full-time on this project, which has yet to be extended.
Unexpected Arrivals and Immediate Response
The arrival of these children is often unannounced. “As soon as we hear that a child has arrived alone at Keflavik Airport, we are contacted by child protection services in Suðurnesjabær. We then head to the airport to conduct an initial interview with the children, some of whom arrive with nothing more than a small backpack and no spare clothing,” Sandra explains. These children voluntarily approach the police upon their arrival at the airport.
Upon arrival, the boys are often hungry, thirsty, and sometimes disoriented, with some even believing they have landed in a different country, such as Canada.
Educational and Social Integration
The boys attend school, participate in courses, and engage in workshops for young people. Most of them come from Ukraine, Palestine, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, and Venezuela. Many express a desire to be placed with Icelandic families, often with the aim of eventually reuniting with their families in Iceland, a goal that is usually achieved. These young boys often bear significant responsibilities.
Family Reunion and the Burden of Responsibility
“Many of the children here wish to bring their parents and siblings to join them, and we assist them with this process. They feel a strong sense of responsibility towards their families, as most people would, and they are generally conscientious kids. You can only imagine what that is like,” Sandra remarks, noting that the boys generally feel comfortable in Iceland. However, those awaiting decisions on their protection status experience significant anxiety and uncertainty, which can last up to 10 to 12 months. This prolonged waiting period makes it difficult for them to learn new things or plan for the future.
Challenges Faced by the System
Three minors under the age of 18 who came to child protection services in Suðurnesjabær were denied protection under the Dublin Regulation during this period. Others who have reached the age of 18 have had their cases transferred to the Directorate of Immigration and Labour and from the child protection services in Suðurnesjabær.
Commentary: A Call for Consistent Support
The challenges faced by unaccompanied minors in Suðurnesjabær highlight the need for continued and consistent support. While the current system provides a robust framework for the initial reception and care of these children, the impending expiration of the municipal contract with the state poses a risk to the stability of this support. The anxiety and uncertainty experienced by these minors, coupled with the complexities of the asylum process, underscore the necessity of extending and possibly expanding the existing framework.
Moreover, the system must adapt to ensure that minors denied protection have access to appropriate support as they transition into adulthood. As Iceland continues to be a destination for those seeking refuge, a comprehensive and sustainable approach will be crucial in addressing the needs of unaccompanied minors and ensuring their successful integration into Icelandic society.