The IOM Country Office for Austria organized the 2014 Austrian national European Migration Network (EMN) conference, in its capacity as National Contact Point for Austria in the EMN, on the topic of young refugees. The conference brought together researchers, practitioners, government officials and civil society representatives in order to provide insight into the topic and to present the perspective of young migrants themselves.
Main countries of origin, reasons to flee, international standards and fundamental rights issues concerning this particularly vulnerable group were discussed. The preliminary results of an EMN study on unaccompanied minors were also presented, which provides information about current political and practical developments in member states as well as up-to-date, comparable statistics.
A panel discussion with young refugees, representatives of NGOs, youth welfare agencies and the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs also took place, in which the circumstances of young refugees’ departure from their countries of origin were discussed, along with their aspirations and future role in Austria. The question of how young migrants can best be supported in achieving their goals was also discussed. A project marketplace was held after the panel, which allowed conference participants to learn more about current projects and initiatives supporting young migrants in Austria.
