Over 2.000 migrant and refugee children in Croatia gain protection, integration, and mental health support

UNICEF Croatia and Switzerland are marking International Refugee Day by highlighting the progress and results of their joint nationwide programme Supporting protection and integration of children and families in migration in Croatia​. The programme was introduced at the end of 2023, as a response to the growing number of children and families arriving in Croatia due to conflicts, displacement, and crises, to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, receives the protection, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Key results achieved so far, in cooperation with implementing partners:

• 2.079 migrant children,including refugees from Ukraine, have received timely protection, mental health, and psychosocial support.
• 649 unaccompanied and separated migrant children were identified and have benefited from individual case management, high-quality guardianship, and access to inclusive family- and community-based services.
• 1.276 migrant children have access to integration measures in schools and local communities.
• 548 children underwent standardized language testing, enabling schools to provide tailored support to overcome language barriers.
• Over 24.500 unique visitors accessed the upgraded Parenting in Croatia platform by Roda available in five languages (French, Arabic, English, Ukrainian, and Croatian), offering crucial health, nutrition, and caregiving information to migrant caregivers/parents of children aged 0-8.
• Since March 2025, a multilingual chat counselling by Brave Phone is available in six additional languages (English, French, Turkish, Ukrainian, Pashto, and Arabic), providing accessible psychosocial support to migrant children and families.
• Two intercultural mediators were employed at the Center for Provision Community Services Zagreb-Dugave, and over 200 professionals, including guardians, case managers, and caregivers, were trained in interculturalism, child protection, and mental health and psychosocial support.
• Foster care for unaccompanied migrant children has been actively promoted through workshops and dedicated materials and foster care teams attended specialized trainings.
• Two e-learning programs for educators on inclusive, supportive, and equitable education for children of migrant backgrounds.
• School action plans for integration were developed in five schools (Agronomy School Zagreb, High School Vukovar, Primary School Nikola Tesla Rijeka, Primary School Šime Budinića Zadar, High School Tin Ujević Kutina).

The programme has strengthened the capacities of professionals in various key institutions for the protection and support of families and children in migration, including the Croatian Institute for Social Work. Study visits and knowledge exchange with neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina have further enhanced their expertise and expanded their professional networks.

“Every child deserves to grow up safe, free from conflict and violence. Refugee and migrant children are among the most vulnerable and must be protected, supported, and included, regardless of their status. It is our shared responsibility to ensure they have access to education, healthcare, and opportunities to thrive. Thanks to the partnership with Switzerland and the Swiss contribution, as well as the dedicated work of professionals we have been able to reach thousands of migrant children and families with essential services, multilingual support, and educational opportunities. By acting together, we can turn compassion into opportunity and help every child thrive in their new community, seeing diversity as a strength, not a barrier”, said Luisa Brumana, Representative of UNICEF Croatia.