Korça & Gjirokastra, December 2024 – Through the combined efforts of IOM Albania, UNHCR Albania, and UNICEF Albania, two essential trainings were held to address the protection of vulnerable individuals within mixed migration and refugee movements, with a particular focus on unaccompanied and separated children arriving in Albania.

In Korça, participants engaged in discussions on the challenges of protecting vulnerable individuals in mixed migration flows, particularly children traveling with families or alone. Representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Department for Border Management, the Municipality Child Protection Unit, the Red Cross, Caritas, Frontex, and other NGOs and stakeholders contributed to an open exchange of experiences and strategies to address these critical issues.

In Gjirokastra, the dialogue continued, delving deeper into the pressing challenges of managing mixed movements of migrants and refugees. The sessions emphasized the need for a protection-sensitive approach to migration, prioritizing the well-being of unaccompanied and separated children. Representatives from key government bodies, international organizations, and local NGOs collaborated to identify challenges and share best practices.

These events were co-organized by IOM Albania, IOM Western Balkans, UNICEF Albania, and UNHCR Albania, with the support of IOM donors including Denmark's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UNHCR’s government donors of unearmarked funding.