Mapping the situation of unaccompanied and separated children in Greece: A scoping review

Greece has long been one of the main European entry points for asylum seekers. Escalating global conflicts in 2014 and 2015 precipitated the displacement of millions of people, including many unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). Early reports from groups operating locally indicated that many UASC were disappearing after entering Greece, yet little is known about what then happens to these children. This scoping review aimed to identify any evidence to answer the question of what happens to UASC who ‘go missing’ while traveling through the migrant streams in Greece. A systematic search of eight electronic databases, supplemented by extensive hand searching of grey literature, yielded 33 documents meeting the inclusion criteria. Of these, only eleven were peer-reviewed primary studies, with the majority of includable evidence coming from organisation reports or news articles. Following content analysis, our findings suggest that irregular onward movement and unofficial continued stay in Greece likely account for the majority of UASC disappearances, though these conclusions are drawn from anecdotal evidence. This review uncovers a significant evidence gap in an area requiring urgent international attention and action. Recommendations are made for researchers and policymakers whose influence can serve to improve the treatment and protection of UASC in Greece.