IOM Bulgaria representatives recently attended the opening of the new Safe Zone for unaccompanied minors seeking international protection at the Reception and Registration Center (RRC) in Harmanli. The event was graced by notable guests from state institutions, embassies, and the non-governmental sector.

Following the opening ceremony, attendees were given a tour of the Safe Zone facilities, showcasing the comprehensive support available to unaccompanied minors.

The IOM Bulgaria team also participated in a strategic workshop titled “Coordination Mechanism for Interaction between Institutions and Organizations in Cases of Unaccompanied or Separated Foreign Children, including Asylum Seeking Children, and Children Granted International or Temporary Protection.” The workshop focused on sharing good practices, identifying challenges, and formulating recommendations to enhance coordination among stakeholders.

This Safe Zone in Harmanli is the third of its kind in Bulgaria, following the successful establishment of two Safe Zones in RRC Sofia by IOM in 2019 and 2020. The establishment of the Safe Zone in Harmanli was a collaborative effort between UNICEF Bulgaria, the State Agency for Refugees (SAR), and IOM Bulgaria, with financial support from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). This initiative represents a significant step towards providing a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable children seeking protection in Bulgaria.