The migration of unaccompanied minors in Catalonia (Spain): evolution and protection models

Abstract

Introduction. The migration of unaccompanied minors is a global phenomenon that is present in regions divided by presumed wealth and poverty borders. The risk factors and exclusion experienced by these children in our countries contradict the principles established in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). Although there is a large amount of literature on the subject, the diachronic dimension of the phenomenon has been insufficiently addressed. In this work, we explore migration transformations over the last two decades in Catalonia (Spain). We describe how arrivals have evolved in recent years and analyse the changes in the reception models based on the protection system and child and adolescent care circuits. Methodology. We conducted an extensive review of the national and international literature on the subject, encompassing previous studies and R&D projects, data provided by the Spanish State and Catalonia, as well as qualitative fieldwork realised in two phases between 2015 and 2022. The data collection instruments consisted of: individual interviews, group interviews, a focus group and online, self-managed in-depth interviews. Adolescents and young people (unaccompanied migrant minors), professionals and management positions working with the collective participated in the study. The data obtained were grouped into categories, coded, and analysed using the Atlas-ti programme. Results. The evolution from 1996 to 2022 in Catalonia (Spain) is presented and the various care circuit variables were identified. Four phases of the phenomenon were detected: confusion and maladjustment of the care system; stabilisation of the phenomenon; decline linked to the economic crisis; and finally, the geometric growth of the phenomenon. Discussion. These phases fell within a legislative context of friction between flow control owing to the call effect on the one hand, and the best interests of the child on the other. Furthermore, the migration of minors was found to be a structural issue rather than a temporary one. Conclusions. Identifying and understanding migration phases allows us to avoid repeating past mistakes and to develop care models that facilitate action planning, therefore, protection and reception. It is possible to establish a care model that could also apply to other domains affected by the phenomenon.