Collaboration for the Integration of Teenage Asylum Seekers

Switzerland has not remained unaffected by the global phenomenon of asylum-seeking, including among teenagers. The asylum situation in Switzerland, especially concerning teenagers, poses a complex challenge for both the government and civil society. The number of teenage asylum seekers is growing and is expected to reach even higher levels in the upcoming years. This is why preparations are needed to facilitate their integration and create an environment where all affected parties can benefit.

This article focuses on teenagers since they are a particularly vulnerable group experiencing a difficult phase in their lives, needing to build entirely new lives already at such a young age without stability or support. Many of them arrive alone, without the support of adult family members, fleeing their countries of origin for various reasons, such as persecution, violence, war, and economic hardship. Switzerland, as a signatory to international treaties like the 1951 Refugee Convention, has an obligation to provide protection to those seeking asylum, which includes ensuring the safety and well-being of teenage asylum-seekers. It is often forgotten that their hardships continue even after arriving in unfamiliar Switzerland. The challenges young asylum-seekers face include legal complexities, which are hard to navigate due to their lack of understanding of the language. To prevent them from being highly vulnerable to exploitation, it is crucial that the state ensures that their rights are being upheld. All children have the fundamental right to education; however, bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of resources often limit the educational opportunities of young asylum-seekers. Mental health issues are prevalent among teenagers who have experienced traumatic events in their home countries or during their journey to Switzerland. The isolation and uncertainty that can accompany the asylum process can exacerbate these issues, making mental health support essential.

Social integration is often a challenge, as language barriers, cultural differences, and social stigmatization can hinder the successful integration of these young people into their host communities. Arriving alone in a new and unfamiliar country, and facing all of these challenges at the same time, can be overwhelming and can cause teenagers to feel lost and isolated. There are organizations that try to help with their integration and the start of their new lives, but they mostly focus on one aspect of their lives, for example housing or education, without regarding other facets. Consequently, teenagers become dependent on the opportunities presented to them without the ability to access them independently. Many teenagers are motivated to get involved, but lack the resources to figure out how, due to multiple barriers that prevent them from accessing the necessary information. Furthermore, information is often presented in a confusing and inaccessbile way.

This is where my idea comes into play. In its simplicity, I aim to make integration opportunities more accessible by addressing language barriers, ease of operation, and providing clear information to teenage asylum seekers. For instance, this could involve offering language classes, well organized paperwork for accessing education or employment, and ensuring that essential information about available resources and support services is available and understandable. This is essential for ensuring their well-being and long-term success. This can be achieved through a platform that presents opportunities and categorizes them into sections such as Language and Cultural Integration, Social Integration, Education and Vocational Training, and 18-year-old Transition Guidance. The platform would be constantly updated with the latest opportunities, and asylum seekers would be able to submit their personal requests for programs through the site to be taken into consideration. In this way, the platform would serve as a direct connection point for asylum seekers and various opportunities available to them, allowing them to explore their own interests. The platform would be accessible for organizations and companies to announce their openings and engagement opportunities. Successful integration of teenagers can lead to many positive outcomes for the Swiss population, including helping to balance the age distribution and providing care for the elderly population.

Addressing the asylum issue of teenagers in Switzerland requires the collaborative efforts of different actors and organizations. Through my proposed platform this collaboration of organizations would be easier to implement and clearer to navigate and understand the existing opportunities. The goal would be to create a point of convergence for the collaboration of many parties. For example, there are various NGOs in Switzerland, such as Caritas, the Swiss Red Cross, and Terre des Hommes, which work to support refugees and asylum-seekers, providing essential services, including legal aid, psychosocial support, and integration programs. Legal aid organizations specializing in refugee and asylum law, such as the Swiss Association for Asylum Law (SAA), offer assistance to navigate the complex asylum process. Educational institutions, such as schools and language centers are also crucial and collaboration with organizations like the Swiss Federation of Adult Learning (SVEB) can be beneficial. Healthcare providers, including Swiss Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), offer medical and mental health support. Local community organizations and volunteer groups can also provide valuable support, including mentorship, language practice, and cultural integration. Media outlets, advocacy groups, and human rights organizations can raise public awareness about the asylum issues faced by teenage refugees and advocate for improved policies and support. Furthermore, private sector companies and employers can play a role in offering internships and employment opportunities to teenage asylum-seekers to promote their economic integration.

Continuously assessing the situation and having the most current information is vital, which is why ongoing research is needed into specific aspects to keep the platform up-to-date. Research contributes to a better understanding of the challenges faced by this vulnerable population, helps evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies, and identifies areas for improvement so support services can be tailored accordingly. Furthermore, research can facilitate collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders involved in addressing the asylum challenge, helping to bring together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to share knowledge and best practices. Research can also examine the long-term outcomes of teenage asylum-seekers who have gone through the Swiss asylum system, providing insights into their integration into Swiss society, employment prospects, and overall well-being. In addition, it is important to use research to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by teenage asylum-seekers. They can also serve as a basis for advocacy efforts to improve policies and garner support from the public and international organizations.

By making opportunities and support services easily accessible in one place, and by strengthening the collaboration among different organizations, Switzerland can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for teenage asylum-seekers. Improved language skills, cultural understanding, education, and employment opportunities are key factors in helping young people successfully integrate into Swiss society, contribute to their host country, and build a better future for themselves and their society.