Sicignano degli Alburni, Italy – A deepening collaboration between Switzerland and Italy aimed at bolstering support for migrant children has seen the Swiss Ambassador, Roberto Balzaretti, visit a reception center in Salerno province. The visit, which took place on March 19, 2026, underscores a commitment to enhancing the management of complex migration flows and providing crucial assistance to vulnerable unaccompanied minors. This initiative highlights the growing need for international cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by young migrants arriving in Europe, and the importance of providing safe and supportive environments for their integration.
Ambassador Balzaretti’s visit to the center in Sicignano degli Alburni, which currently houses 25 unaccompanied foreign minors, primarily aged between 16 and 17, is part of a broader initiative titled “In Cammino con la Svizzera” (Walking with Switzerland). This program, scheduled to continue through 2027, will see the Ambassador travel to all twenty regions of Italy to foster dialogue and strengthen ties between the two nations. The visit to the center, accompanied by Marco Notarbartolo of UNHCR and a representative from the local prefecture, focused on understanding the needs and concerns of the children and the staff providing care. The Swiss commitment to this project is rooted in recognizing migration as a global phenomenon requiring a collective European response.
The reception center in Sicignano degli Alburni is one of 34 facilities participating in the “Enhancing Reception and Protection Services for Unaccompanied Children in Italy” project. This project, jointly funded by the Italian Ministry of the Interior, the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), and UNHCR, aims to strengthen assistance structures for unaccompanied foreign minors throughout Italy. The project’s focus extends beyond direct support to the children themselves, also prioritizing the well-being and professional development of the staff working within these centers. Switzerland’s financial contribution to this project demonstrates a tangible commitment to supporting Italy’s efforts in managing migration and protecting vulnerable populations. According to UNHCR data, in 2025, 12,177 unaccompanied minors arrived in Italy via sea routes, representing approximately 18% of all arrivals – an increase from 13% in 2024.
Switzerland’s Expanding Role in Italian Migration Support
The visit by Ambassador Balzaretti builds upon existing Swiss support for migration management in Italy. Switzerland has a long history of collaboration with Italy on cross-border issues, and migration has become an increasingly crucial area of focus. The Ambassador, who previously served as Switzerland’s representative to France from 2021, brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to his new role in Rome. He was appointed to the position in June 2024, succeeding Monika Schmutz-Kirgöz, who transitioned to lead the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. As reported by Gazzetta Svizzera, Balzaretti emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and promoting Switzerland’s image abroad through cultural events and initiatives like the “Maison Suisse” during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The “In Cammino con la Svizzera” initiative is a unique element of this strengthened partnership. Beyond fostering dialogue, the Ambassador will symbolically donate a bench, crafted in Switzerland from recycled materials, to each region visited. These benches are intended to serve as community spaces for exchange, dialogue, and information sharing, representing a lasting symbol of Swiss-Italian cooperation. This gesture underscores Switzerland’s commitment to not only providing financial support but also fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility in addressing the challenges of migration.
Addressing the Needs of Unaccompanied Minors
The situation facing unaccompanied minors arriving in Italy is particularly complex. Many of these children have endured arduous journeys, often fleeing conflict, persecution, or extreme poverty. They arrive in a new country without family support, facing significant challenges in accessing education, healthcare, legal protection, and psychological support. The “Enhancing Reception and Protection Services for Unaccompanied Children in Italy” project directly addresses these challenges through a four-pillar approach.
The first pillar focuses on strengthening institutional coordination between national and local levels, aligning efforts with the priorities of the Italian government and existing support programs. The second pillar involves direct interventions in reception centers located in strategic regions – Lombardy, Puglia, Basilicata, and Campania – where specialized support from international agencies and NGOs was previously lacking. Save the Children, a key partner of UNHCR, provides crucial psychosocial support, information on rights and future prospects, and recreational activities to promote emotional well-being and inclusion. The third pillar centers on training and supporting the staff working in these centers, enhancing the quality of care provided. Finally, the project prioritizes identifying the specific needs of each child, enabling authorities to tailor individualized support plans. Currently, approximately 16,000 unaccompanied foreign minors reside in Italy, many facing years of complex integration processes.
The Risk of Criminal Exploitation
A significant concern highlighted by the project is the vulnerability of unaccompanied minors to criminal exploitation. Without adequate support and protection, these young people are at risk of falling prey to human trafficking, forced labor, and other forms of abuse. The project aims to strengthen individualized support interventions to mitigate this risk, ensuring that each child receives the attention and protection they need. This requires a collaborative effort between government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to identify and address the root causes of vulnerability and provide targeted assistance to those at risk. The project’s emphasis on individualized support reflects a growing understanding of the unique challenges faced by each child and the need for tailored interventions.
Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration and Support
The visit by Ambassador Balzaretti and the ongoing “Enhancing Reception and Protection Services for Unaccompanied Children in Italy” project represent a significant step forward in strengthening Swiss-Italian cooperation on migration. The project, launched in October 2024, is expected to continue delivering vital support to unaccompanied minors across Italy for the foreseeable future. The Ambassador’s commitment to visiting all twenty Italian regions by 2027 demonstrates a sustained dedication to fostering dialogue and building stronger relationships between the two countries. According to his profile on the Festival della Diplomazia website, Balzaretti has a distinguished career in international law and diplomacy, having served as Secretary General of the FDFA and as Switzerland’s chief negotiator with the European Union.
The success of this collaboration hinges on continued financial support, effective coordination between stakeholders, and a unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of unaccompanied minors. As migration patterns continue to evolve, the need for international cooperation and innovative solutions will only grow. The Swiss-Italian partnership serves as a model for other European countries seeking to address the challenges of migration in a humane and effective manner. The next key milestone for the project will be the release of a mid-term evaluation report in December 2026, assessing the project’s impact and identifying areas for improvement.
What are your thoughts on the collaboration between Switzerland and Italy to support unaccompanied minors? Share your comments below and help us continue the conversation.