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An Employment and Social Affairs Committee delegation is travelling to Germany’s Ruhr area to visit chemical and steel plants and educational facilities.
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

An Employment and Social Affairs Committee delegation is travelling to Germany’s Ruhr area to visit chemical and steel plants and educational facilities.
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

An Employment and Social Affairs Committee delegation is travelling to Germany’s Ruhr area to visit chemical and steel plants and educational facilities.
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

An Employment and Social Affairs Committee delegation is travelling to Germany’s Ruhr area to visit chemical and steel plants and educational facilities.
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Written by Maria Margarita Mentzelopoulou.

Between 2021 and 2023, at least 51 433 unaccompanied minors were reported as missing across Europe, averaging nearly 47 children a day. Over 18 000 migrant and refugee children were reported as missing across Europe between 2018 and 2020. It is feared that many of these children may have been exploited and abused for sexual or labour purposes. The European Parliament has repeatedly stressed the need to address this issue.

Background

The number of migrant children has been growing, both globally and in the European Union (EU). According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), around 40 % of the world’s displaced people are children. Lost in Europe, an investigative journalism project, has reported that 51 433 migrant children have disappeared after arriving in European countries between 2021 and 2023. This investigation builds on research published in 2021, showing that more than 18 000 migrant and refugee children went missing in Europe between 2018 and 2020. Overall, the reasons for children’s disappearance include: poor reception conditions; lack of child-friendly information; inefficient family reunification and guardian-appointment procedures; fear of detention or deportation; the desire to join family or friends in another country; and violence and abuse, including illegal adoption and trafficking.

EU Member States do not have a common definition for the concepts and terminologies related to the rights and protection of children. For instance, there is no consensus on how to define a ‘missing child’. According to Missing Children Europe, migrant children are considered missing ‘when they are registered with state authorities and go missing from the reception/accommodation centres provided for them’. While most missing migrant children are understood to be unaccompanied minors (UAMs), separated children and children that were travelling with family are also included in this group.

In 2023, 170 children lost in migration were never found. According to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), the issue of UAMs going missing from first reception facilities is a significant concern in many EU Member States. However, regular data collection and sharing is fragmented, making it difficult to fully grasp the picture; a single contact point would arguably facilitate finding information about such children at a cross-national level. In fact, registration is particularly relevant in the case of children, as it lessens the risk of them going missing while also helping families reunite. For instance, reports by EU police forces warn about the exploitation and trafficking of African children by organised crime groups, such as drug trafficking networks, mainly based in western Europe.

European action to protect children in migration

In recent years, the EU has adopted a set of policies on children in migration. Under EU law, the European Commission has launched a hotline number (116000) for missing children, including UAMs of third-country origin, which is now active in 32 countries. The enforced disappearance of children is addressed under Article 8 of the European Charter of Human Rights (ECHR). In a communication from 2017, the Commission laid out a list of priority actions aimed at contributing to the protection of children in migration. Moreover, in its 2020 communication on a new pact on migration and asylum, the Commission stressed that ‘the reform of EU rules on asylum and return is an opportunity to strengthen safeguards and protection standards under EU law for migrant children’. It furthermore identified children’s rights as a priority that is part of a broader range of initiatives, such as those set out in the 2020 action plan on integration and inclusion 2021-2027 and the 2021 EU strategy on voluntary return and reintegration.

The 2021 EU strategy on the rights of the child stressed the vulnerability of migrant children, who are often deeply traumatised by what they have had to endure in their country of origin or on a migratory route. The strategy notes that migrant children are more likely to be victims of abuse and violence, and that the risk of going missing increases ‘when children travel unaccompanied or are obliged to share overcrowded facilities with adult strangers’. The pact on migration and asylum, adopted in 2024, introduced several provisions regarding children and UAMs with the goal of protecting them and preventing the risk of them going missing or falling victim to criminal networks. For instance, the Eurodac Regulation calls for the collection of biometric data from children to be able to identify them, while introducing additional safeguards for minors who will be registered under it. Recital 42 of the Reception Conditions Directive calls for the early appointment of representatives for UAMs, and Recital 23 of the Anti-Trafficking Directive touches upon the exploitation of children by criminal groups. In 2020, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) called on EU Member States to do ‘whatever is necessary and required in the best interests of the child’ to prevent the disappearance of child refugees and migrants globally. In April 2025, PACE organised the parliamentary conference on ‘Envisioning effective public policy to prevent and address cases of missing migrants’ as a follow-up to PACE Resolution 2569 on missing migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers. Additionally, a toolkit for parliamentarians to take action on this issue will be released by the end of 2025.

In focus: The situation of missing Ukrainian children
More than half of Ukraine’s children are believed to have been displaced as a result of the war. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Magnolia has recorded more than 2 100 children as kidnapped, abducted, forcibly disappeared or simply missing inside Ukraine. Similarly, NGOs and public authorities have been warning about the risk of violence and trafficking facing children outside Ukraine, stressing the importance of proper registration, and there have been reports of children disappearing after arriving in EU countries from Ukraine. The Council of Europe’s group of experts on action against trafficking in human beings (GRETA) has also warned of the danger faced by people fleeing Ukraine of falling victim to human trafficking and exploitation. In March 2022, the Commission presented a 10-point plan for stronger EU coordination on welcoming people fleeing the war, with a focus on strengthening children’s protection. The plan includes: ‘standard operating procedures and uniform guidance for the reception and support of children; specific procedures for the transfer of UAMs’; and measures on recording and exchanging of information. The plan also supports the development of an anti-trafficking plan and the ‘Safe Homes’ initiative. Finally, the Bring Kids Back UA action plan unites the efforts of Ukrainian government agencies, partner countries and international organisations aiming to trace and bring back home the forcefully deported children of Ukraine.

European Parliament position

The need to tackle the disappearance of migrant children has been highlighted in several Parliament resolutions. In a November 2014 resolution, Parliament stressed that many UAMs had disappeared or absconded after arriving in the EU, and called for full respect of migrant children’s rights across the EU. In two December 2016 resolutions, Parliament urged the Commission to take preventive measures against the disappearance of UAMs and to develop a strategy for that purpose and for locating missing children. Parliament also recommended reinforcing the existing tools for finding missing children. In May 2018, Parliament called on the Member States to place all children and families with children in non-custodial, community-based accommodation while processing their immigration status. It also stressed the need to host UAMs in separate facilities from adults to prevent any risk of violence or sexual abuse. In November 2019, Parliament called on the Member States to improve the situation of children in migration and reiterated the significance of child protection as a fundamental principle for the EU.

In March 2021, Parliament underscored that the EU strategy on the rights of the child needed to include measures to improve the situation of children in migration and safeguard their interests throughout every stage of asylum procedures. In April 2022, Parliament adopted a resolution on the protection of children and young people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Most recently, Parliament also raised concerns about the risk of Ukrainian children falling victim to human trafficking. In April 2024, the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) conducted a joint exchange of views on the feasibility of establishing a European centre for missing persons, including children. Additionally, ‘Lost in Europe’ was awarded the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism for its investigation into the disappearance of unaccompanied child migrants. Finally, the European Parliament’s Vice-President, Ewa Kopacz, who is also Parliament’s Coordinator on Children’s Rights, collaborates with various organisations working on the issue of missing children, such as the Amber Alert Foundation and Missing Children Europe, and consistently expresses concerns over forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.

This updates an ‘At a glance’ note by Maria-Margarita Mentzelopoulou published in May 2023.

Read this ‘at a glance’ note on ‘Disappearance of migrant children in the EU‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Les Evêques du Bénin sont en session ordinaire au séminaire catholique "Monseigneur Louis Parisot" de Tchanvédji dans le diocèse de Lokossa depuis mardi 20 mai 2025.

La 75e session ordinaire des évêques du Bénin se tient du 20 au 23 mai à Lokossa. Ils échangent sur plusieurs dossiers à savoir la liturgie, la situation socio-politique et économique du pays. La messe d'ouverture des travaux a été dite, mercredi 21 mai en présence des évêques du Bénin.

Dans son homélie, Mgr Roger Koffi Anoumon a rendu grâce pour la désignation du nouveau pasteur de l'Eglise universelle. « Le Seigneur a manifesté sa générosité à travers la désignation du Pape Léon XIV. C'est un signe de la providence », a dit Mgr Roger Koffi Anoumon. Il a invité les fidèles chrétiens à s'unir. « Le Christ est notre source, notre boussole, notre chemin et notre vie afin que nous portions des fruits qui demeurent pour les siècles et des siècles », a-t-il ajouté. Les travaux prennent fin ce vendredi 23 mai 2025.
A.A.A

Roseau, the capital of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean. The UNDP Human Development Report 2025 shows that countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have made progress but still face challenges like inequality and slow growth, with AI considered a key opportunity to accelerate inclusive development. Credit: Alison Kentish/IPS

By Alison Kentish
DOMINICA, May 22 2025 (IPS)

The United Nations Development Programme’s 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) says crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic have contributed to ‘the flatlining of decades of progress in the Human Development Index,’ with Latin America and the Caribbean facing unique challenges and opportunities.

Despite these challenges, the document, titled “A matter of choice: People and Possibilities in the age of AI,” states that artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool to improve lives and close persistent gaps.

Lead author Pedro Conceiçāo described a ‘triple development squeeze’ affecting many countries.

“Difficulties accessing external financing, shrinking job creation opportunities and increased trade volatility,” he explained. “The opportunities of many countries to export to international markets, which is an important driver of development or has historically been, those opportunities are also narrow.”

Amid these pressures, AI emerges as a double-edged sword. According to a recent UNDP survey, “Up to two-thirds of people in low, medium, and high HDI countries expect artificial intelligence to become an important part of their lives within the next year—in health, education, and standard of living,” Conceição noted. He said the report and survey emphasize that “what matters less is the technology and more the choices that are made to ensure that AI advances human development.”

The report’s recommendations are clear:

• Build a complementary economy where AI empowers, not replaces, people.
• Drive innovation with intent, using AI to boost creativity and scientific progress.
• Invest in digital capabilities so everyone can thrive in an AI-driven world.

The Latin America and the Caribbean Situation

UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Michelle Muschett outlined the region’s progress and pressure points.

“Latin America and the Caribbean consolidated its second year of recovery after the pandemic, moving from 0.783 in 2022 to 0.8 in the Human Development Index regionally in 2023,” she said. However, she cautioned, “Progress continues, but it remains slower than before the pandemic.”

The region stands out for its high human development scores—19 countries are classified as high, and 10 as very high. But Muschett warns, “Both development and democracy are under probably unprecedented pressure in the history of development of our region.”

She said this should serve as both a warning and a call to action.

“It’s a clear call to thinking and rethinking those institutions, public policies, processes, and the tools we have so that that pressure can become a positive force that moves us along the line of progress and shared prosperity.”

Muschett is candid about the region’s digital disparities. “We see already today the deep difference in terms of coverage when we compare rural areas with urban areas in Latin America and the Caribbean,” she says. “The highest quintile in terms of income has more than twice the access to AI than the lowest quintile. So we have a warning signal that is very important.”

To address digital gaps, the report calls for closing connectivity gaps, especially in rural and low-income areas; investment in digital literacy and lifelong learning; and ensuring that data is reliable and free from bias through strong, inclusive governance frameworks.

“This has to be a central priority of public policies,” Muschett urges. “Strategic alliances with other sectors of society—academia, private sector—become absolutely essential.”

A Resilient Future

Muschett says the UNDP is preparing to launch an “atlas of AI focused on human development,” offering policymakers tools to make informed, inclusive choices.

The message is clear: While the region faces significant challenges, deliberate action can shift the view of AI as a pressure point into a powerful driver of progress.

“The difference between one and the other is precisely in the deliberate decision we make as a region… whether it’s a huge threat or an unprecedented opportunity,” she said.

The message is clear: by fostering innovation, empowering individuals, and putting inclusion at the forefront, Latin America and the Caribbean have the potential to transform current obstacles into future possibilities—and become a worldwide model for leveraging technology to benefit all.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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Excerpt:

The 2025 Human Development Report warns of slowing human development progress, with disparities between rich and poor nations widening. It’s highlighting both the challenges and immense potential of artificial intelligence to improve lives.

A delegation of seven Members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), led by Chair David McAllister, will travel to Uruguay and Argentina from 26 to 29 May. Members will engage in high-level discussions regarding the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement which was concluded last December in Montevideo, Uruguay. The findings from this visit will contribute to the preparatory work for the consent procedure on the political and cooperation aspects of the Agreement, for which AFET is responsible.
More broadly, this mission will allow to exchange views on bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation, as well as geopolitical issues such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and China's expanding influence in Latin America.
AFET Missions
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” ship caught lurking near the Poland-Sweden power cable, prompting swift Polish military intervention and renewed NATO warnings.

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Women are often exploited when buying fish from fishers or traders in lake Malawi. Credit: Benson Kunchezera/IPS

By Benson Kunchezera
LILONGWE, May 22 2025 (IPS)

Women in fishing communities in Malawi’s lakeshore districts of Nkhotakota and Mangochi are frequently targets of sexual exploitation for fish, a practice commonly known as ‘sex for fish.’ A recent report by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has unearthed disturbing accounts of women being coerced into transactional sex to access fish from male boat owners, exposing a widespread violation of their rights.

The MHRC inquiry, which focused on fishing hubs along Lake Malawi, reveals how deeply entrenched the practice is, with minimal intervention from authorities to address the systemic abuse. According to the report, the lack of targeted policies and enforcement mechanisms within fishing communities has created an environment where women are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and left without recourse when faced with unwanted pregnancies or abuse.

“The women are often left to shoulder the burden alone, while the men deny responsibility for the pregnancies or disappear altogether,” reads part of the report. “There is a need for coordinated efforts to end these abuses and protect women who are vital players in the fish trade.”

One of the women who shared her story is 42-year-old Joyce Issa, a seasoned fish trader from Mangochi. Having been in the business for over 15 years, Joyce recounts how she was coerced into sex several times just to be able to purchase fish.

“There were times when the only way to buy fish was by giving in to their demands,” Joyce told IPS. “It was humiliating, but the pressure to feed my family and keep my business running left me with no choice.”

Issa adds that scarcity of fish has worsened the situation, as competition among traders grows. “Business is much slower than in previous years. Fish is difficult to come by, and when it is available, the prices are high—and for women, the price often includes sex,” she explained.

However, she acknowledged that the situation has seen some slight improvements recently, particularly due to the efforts of the HeForShe campaign—a global solidarity movement for gender equality that has begun to gain ground in the region.

“The HeForShe initiative has helped in reducing some of these abuses. Now we can report cases, and there are people who will follow up,” Joyce added.

Authorities Respond

Laston Chikopa, the Assistant Gender Officer for Mangochi district, confirms that “sex for fish” is a well-known and persistent issue in the area. He says their office is working closely with local fishermen and community members to encourage reporting and protect women involved in the trade.

“In Mangochi alone, we receive over 15 cases annually of women being denied access to fish because they refused to engage in sexual acts with the fishermen,” Chikopa said. “These figures are likely just the tip of the iceberg since many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation or stigma.

To combat the problem, the district gender office has introduced confidential reporting mechanisms, including two toll-free numbers—116 and 5600—that victims can use to report abuse or discrimination.

“These lines allow victims to share their experiences discreetly, and we work with law enforcement and other stakeholders to ensure justice is served,” Chikopa emphasized.

MHRC to Monitor Action

The MHRC report highlights the problem and proposes concrete steps forward. The Commission plans to engage relevant authorities, including the Malawi Police Service, to investigate the findings and take immediate action against the perpetrators.

“After three months, we will review how well the relevant authorities have responded to the inquiry,” the Commission’s report states. “If there’s no visible progress, we will escalate the matter to ensure accountability.”

The MHRC also recommends that the government and its partners develop gender-sensitive policies that specifically address the vulnerabilities of women in fishing communities. These include the creation of women-led fishing cooperatives, alternative economic opportunities, and public awareness campaigns that denounce gender-based exploitation.

A Broader Issue

The “sex for fish” phenomenon is not unique to Malawi. Similar cases have been reported across various parts of sub-Saharan Africa, especially around major lakes where fishing is a dominant economic activity. However, Malawi’s case underscores the urgency of addressing the structural imbalances that leave women at the mercy of more powerful men in resource-dependent communities.

“This is about power and survival,” said a local gender rights activist in Mangochi, who asked to remain anonymous. “When women lack bargaining power and the state fails to protect them, these abuses become normalized.”

The activist called on the government to ensure that policies are not just written but also enforced. “We need more women in leadership roles within these communities, and we need the law to work for them.”

Hope Amid Hardship

Despite the grim realities, stories like Issa’s offer a glimmer of hope. Women are increasingly speaking out, and initiatives like HeForShe are beginning to create safe spaces for dialogue and action. With increased public attention and stronger institutional backing, there is growing momentum to dismantle the system that has for too long exploited the vulnerability of women in Malawi’s fishing communities.

But as the MHRC emphasized, real change will require sustained commitment—from local leaders, law enforcement, policymakers, and the communities themselves. Only then can the women of the lakeshore truly reclaim their dignity and safety.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
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Der Name bleibt, das Design ist neu. Ab heute liefern wir Ihnen wieder täglich eine deutschsprachige Dosis Europa – was passiert in den Hauptstädten der EU? Was steht in Brüssel auf dem Programm? Das erfahren Sie hier.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Giusi Princi said on Thursday she was "shaken" over "objectively baseless claims” of wrongdoing.

ÄNDERUNGSANTRÄGE 1 - 227 - Entwurf eines Berichts Berichte 2023 und 2024 der Kommission über Georgien
Ausschuss für auswärtige Angelegenheiten
Rasa Juknevičienė

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

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