More than 2,200 refugee children missing in Belgium
Refugee network Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen has called attention to the disappearance of 2,241 unaccompanied refugee children in Belgium between 2021 and 2023. The organisation called for swift action to protect vulnerable minors on Wednesday, International Day of the Rights of the Child.
The agency is particularly asking for more foster care options. As the number of missing young people rises at an alarming rate, the capacity for safe and small-scale housing - especially in Brussels, Antwerp and Limburg - needs urgent expansion. “Every child deserves a safe home,” said director Tine Claus.
As part of its campaign, Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen unveiled Issam, an art installation symbolising a young refugee who has disappeared. The installation, on display at S.M.A.K. in Ghent until January, portrays a child playing hide-and-seek with thousands of missing friends.
Likely underestimates
The crisis in Belgium reflects a broader European issue. Lost in Europe, a journalism collective, has documented the disappearance of more than 51,000 unaccompanied minors across 31 countries between 2021 and 2023.
Italy reported the highest number of missing children at 22,899, followed by Austria, with 20,077, and Belgium. The figures are likely underestimates, as many cases remain unregistered. Most of the missing children come from conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Syria and East Africa and are at high risk of exploitation by traffickers and criminal networks.
The new research highlights the growing scope of the problem. Lost in Europe previously found that more than 18,000 minors disappeared in Europe between 2018 and 2020.
#FlandersNewsService | A squatter in Brussels in 2023. The building was occupied for several months by hundreds of homeless people, asylum seekers and people in illegal residence, including unaccompanied minors © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
Related news
