Crossing Vulnerability: A Study on the Experiences of Victimisation of Unaccompanied Adolescents and Young Migrants in the Basque Country, Spain.

Migrant children without family references find themselves in a situation of vulnerability and stigmatisation throughout the migration process. The lack of perception and cognitive development of childhood, together with discrimination and stigma towards foreigners, tend to increase their exposure to different forms of violence, abuse and exploitation. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine the experiences of victimization suffered by unaccompanied foreign minors residing in a protection centre in Álava-Araba (Basque Country). The data collection consists of nineteen semi-structured interviews with unaccompanied foreign minors aged 13 to 17, from different regions of Africa. The results show that these minors have suffered different forms of victimization both in the country of origin, during the journey and once they arrive in the country of destination.