{"id":748,"date":"2026-03-05T11:57:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T10:57:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/centrosira.org\/?p=748"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:54:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T10:54:28","slug":"infancias-migrantes-asilo-migraciones-acogida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/centrosira.org\/en\/infancias-migrantes-asilo-migraciones-acogida\/","title":{"rendered":"Gabriela L\u00f3pez: \u201cWe must develop strategies that reduce the uncertainty of unaccompanied migrant children\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

The coordinator of the Sira Center participates in a day dedicated to the care of unaccompanied and separated migrant children in need of international protection in Spain.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The event, organized by the Center for Innovation in Law (CID \u2013 ICADE) of the Pontifical University of Comillas, revolved around the presentation of the book \u201cLegal study on unaccompanied and separated children in need of international protection in Spain\u201d.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Migration infrastructure is built amidst confusion and constant change, and this particularly affects unaccompanied migrant children who, on their journey as asylum seekers, face obstacles disproportionate to their age. This explains Gabriela L\u00f3pez Neyra<\/strong>, coordinator of the Sira Center, at a conference organized by the Comillas Pontifical University<\/a>. Among her interventions, the psychologist stressed that it is essential for technical teams to develop strategies that serve to reduce and manage the uncertainty<\/strong>. \u201cSupporting unaccompanied migrant children means assuming our responsibility as adults,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For L\u00f3pez, as adults, efforts in providing care should be directed toward alleviating the burden placed on children and adolescents. This implies, among other actions, supporting them in decision-making without diminishing their agency; adapting tools that facilitate bureaucratic processes; and, above all, respecting the individuality and context of each young person, depending on their stage of life and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From left to right, Gabriela L\u00f3pez (Sira Center); Paloma Torres (MEDUSA) and Nadia Garrido (Children's Villages).<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Comprehensive security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Based on her experience supporting people on the move, the psychologist insists on the need for the reception system, and the professionals who work there, to prioritize providing a space that offers comprehensive security<\/strong> to unaccompanied migrant children. That is, a context that (1) avoids situations of discrimination and violence; that offers (2) temporary stability; and that guarantees emotional security, (3) that promotes bonds with clear and unconditional limits and, above all, not subject to behavior<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, L\u00f3pez points out that professionals must (4) consolidate spaces that foster reinforcement rather than punishment, working from a place of curiosity and non-judgmental acceptance. \u201cA model that allows us to see the uniqueness of each person and that integrates dimensions relevant to migrant children, such as spirituality,\u201d she notes. Gabriela emphasizes that culture can act as a protective mechanism here, which should be included in the support process. In this regard, she warns: \u201cSuch an early break with the cultural background from which each child comes could represent an irreversible rupture.\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mental health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gabriela L\u00f3pez warns that, when dealing with unaccompanied children, diagnoses related to behavioral disorders are common, but post-traumatic stress is rarely addressed. She points out that focusing on disruptive behaviors, rather than the underlying impact that may have triggered them, jeopardizes the emotional and psychological well-being of migrant children. \u201cWhen we talk about migration, especially in cases of forced migration, we could be talking about a process of grief, traumatic shock, and adaptation,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the psychologist at the Sira Center, working with young people can be divided into different phases aimed at improving their well-being. First, (1) integration and processing of what happened; then, (2) repairing any damage the experience may have caused; and, after that, (3) rebuilding the person's emotional and security support system. Finally, fostering the ability for children and young people to fully experience their childhood and adolescence, so they can develop into adults.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Poster for the event organized by the Center for Innovation in Law (CID \u2013 ICADE) of the Comillas Pontifical University.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Long-lasting solutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The event, organized by the Center for Innovation in Law (CID \u2013 ICADE) of the Comillas Pontifical University, revolved around the presentation of the book \u201cLegal study on unaccompanied and separated children in need of international protection in Spain<\/a>\u201dand served as a space for critical reflection<\/strong>, which featured professionals from different fields<\/a> that are developed in this sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From this discussion, four major proposals for the future emerged:<\/p>\n\n\n\n