Transnational study visit in Postojna within the project N.E.A.R. to Guardians

Institute for Social Studies of ZRS Koper hosted a two-day study visit on December 4–5, 2024, as part of the N.E.A.R. to Guardians Project (Networking and Exchange Activities to Reinforce Guardianship on housing, labour, and education, AMIF-2023-AMIF 101140815). This EU-funded project aims to improve guardianship systems for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) across Europe. The study visit brought together experts from five EU countries: Slovenia, Italy, Spain, Greece and Belgium. The aim was to better understand the Slovenian national context and guardianship system for UASC in the areas of housing, education and labour market integration.

Special session focused on the in-depth presentation of good practices, where three organizations from Slovenia shared their experiences. PIC – Legal Centre for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment was presented by Urša Regvar via Zoom, an expert in asylum and migration. She focused on legal support mechanisms for UASC, in particular the role and responsibilities of legal guardians in ensuring their protection and rights. Društvo Ključ (Society Ključ): PATS – Preventive Action to Stop Trafficking was presented by Manca Raušl, Vice President and Professional Program Manager. This presentation explored preventative measures and interventions aimed at combating human trafficking within the context of migration. The discussion emphasized the vulnerabilities of UASC and the importance of targeted actions to address human trafficking risks effectively.Tamara Raftović Loštrek,project manager at Slovene Philanthropy, Association for Promotion of Volunteering presented the leisure activities and support that her organization offers to UASC as part of the project it runs.

The next day, the participants visited the Reception and Accommodation Centre for Unaccompanied Minors in Postojna, where they were given practical insight into the care of UASC in Slovenia and shared their views and experiences with professionals from the Postojna centre. The on-site visit thus enabled the participants to exchange knowledge and strengthened cooperation in finding the best solutions for supporting UASC.

In addition to the exchange of knowledge and experience through study visits, the N.E.A.R. to Guardians project activities also include the development of training programmes for guardians, the networking and cooperation between stakeholders and raising awareness on the importance of an effective guardianship system.