Situated at Europe’s southern shores, Italy is the primary port of arrival for refugees and migrants aiming to reach Europe via the Central Mediterranean Sea route. Since the early 2000s, hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants have made the dangerous crossing, with many fleeing dire humanitarian conditions in Libya or transiting through Tunisia. Among the refugees and migrants are unaccompanied and separated children, who face particular challenges, both during the journey and once they reach Italy.

While the humanitarian needs of individuals arriving are severe, information on their needs, experiences en route and prospects for their future remains scarce. This lack of understanding means that policy responses to people moving in mixed migration flows towards and within Italy are affected by the lack of up to date information risking an effective response to individuals’ needs in accordance to their rights.

IMPACT has been present in Italy through REACH since 2016 providing local response actors and policymakers with up-to-date data and analysis on the profiles, conditions and trends of migration towards Italy.