site.btaBulgaria among Top Three Countries in Europe for Unaccompanied Child Refugees

Bulgaria ranks third in Europe, after Germany and the Netherlands, in accepting unaccompanied children, State Agency for Refugees (SAR) Vice President Yanita Manolova said on Thursday. Manolova spoke at the opening of an exhibition "Innocence without Borders", which showcases the lives of Syrian children and families residing at the Harmanli refugee centre.

She said many children have become proficient in the Bulgarian language, can recite Bulgarian poems, and have successfully integrated into the Bulgarian education system.

Hristo Stefanov, Deputy Minister of the Interior, highlighted the resilience of these children, who have endured thousands of miles in harsh conditions. The Ministry of Interior has been responsible for working with migrants and asylum seekers for many years

Christina de Bruin, UNICEF Representative to Bulgaria, emphasized the importance of supporting and protecting children all over the globe. She noted that the number of children seeking asylum outside their home countries has doubled in the last decade.

The Head of the Swiss Contribution Office at the Swiss Embassy Thomas Stauffer paid tribute to all refugees enduring hardships. He urged everyone to provide constant help and support to refugee children, highlighting their vulnerability.

SOF Connect CEO Jesus Caballero said Sofia Airport was happy to welcome the important exhibition that highlights difficulties refugee children endure.

Photographers Dobrin Minkov and Nikolay Stoykov have co-authored the exhibition at Terminal 2 of Sofia Airport. It will be on display until July 20.