Promoting understanding of youth with migrant backgrounds

Italy is currently one of the most popular destination and transit countries for migrants. This migration flow has led to a significant population of second-generation youth, born or raised in Italy by migrant parents. Young people with a migrant background face multiple and complex transitions: for unaccompanied minors, these include the challenges of adolescence, migration, and trauma, while for second-generation youth, it is primarily the cultural balancing act between their origins and Italian society. UNICEF works to uphold children’s rights and ensure their protection and development, using a framework based on legal, social, and personal identity. The initiative "OPS! - Your Opinion, Beyond Prejudices, Against Stereotypes!" tackles prejudices related to migration, racism, gender, sexual orientation, and disability, aiming to promote the rights of unaccompanied minors and second-generation youth, as well as combat intersectional discrimination.

More details

In this context, Lattanzio KIBS is responsible for the comprehensive collection of quantitative data from a sample of 1,000 young people aged between 15 and 24, currently residing in Italy, and the formulation of recommendations for UNICEF’s social and behavioral change actions. The planned activities include developing a sampling strategy, defining population-level weights, conducting pre-tests, adhering to child safeguarding protocols addressing cultural sensitivities and data protection, obtaining ethical approval, preparing a comprehensive implementation report, and presenting preliminary results to stakeholders. Finally, the delivery of the final report will take place on International Migrant Day, titled "So Far, So Close: Attitudes of Adolescents and Youth Towards Their Peers with Migrant Backgrounds in Italy."

The impact

The lack of in-depth data on issues involving this specific target group is a significant barrier. Lattanzio KIBS’ contribution helps fill the gaps regarding how race, migration status, gender, sexual orientation, and disability are perceived by young people living in Italy. Specifically, the project explores the main attitudes of Italian youth towards their peers with migrant, refugee, and migrant backgrounds, and how such attitudes are influenced by other identity factors. The final report provides valuable insights to guide UNICEF in the development of even more effective and targeted programs, based on results, to promote the rights and well-being of the target group.