With the intensification of migration flows, the number of unaccompanied minor refugees arriving in the Republic of Slovenia has increased. These are minors who have entered Slovenia without a responsible adult and thus live at the intersection of three risk factors; the fact that they are underaged, alone and migrating, which further increase their vulnerability. As a declared social state and a signatory to European conventions and commitments that protect both human and children's rights, Slovenia pays special attention to the issue of their accommodation and care. With the rise in arrivals, the country had to revisit the already established procedures for the protection of unaccompanied minors. In 2023, a Regulation on the Provision of Appropriate Accommodation, Care, and Treatment of Unaccompanied Minors was adopted. This regulation introduced a new system of accommodation for these minors in a Centre for Unaccompanied Minors, regardless of their legal status or progress in the international protection procedure. With this new regulation, which was implemented in 2024 through the establishment of the centre, unaccompanied minors are to be provided with holistic care. In my thesis, I examine what the legislation foresees regarding the care of unaccompanied minors, what is implemented in practice, and what the Republic of Slovenia and the stakeholders involved in care still need to do to ensure that Slovenia provides treatment and care from a holistic perspective. To this end, I reviewed and wrote down relevant literature, formulated research questions, and conducted six interviews with various stakeholders involved in the care of unaccompanied minors. Each stakeholder represents one area of care. I then analysed the data qualitatively and found that while the legislation foresees care and treatment based on a holistic approach, certain parts are either not implemented or are carried out in an insufficient manner. Shortcomings were identified in the process of appointing a guardian for special cases at the border, in the legal representation system (which varies greatly depending on the individual performing it), in the provision of psychosocial support, and in the development of individual care plans. Nevertheless, I can conclude that care and treatment have improved under the new system, although further improvements will be necessary before we can describe the accommodation, care, and treatment system as truly holistic.
|