264 unaccompanied foreign minors have received free legal aid and legal representation since the start of 2026, the Ministry of Justice said. They are seeking international protection or already have it.
The figure emerged at a meeting between deputy justice minister Irena Borisova and officials from the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. The agency was represented by deputy representative Bulent Peker, external relations adviser Ekaterina Dimitrova and protection adviser Maria Shisheva.
Borisova said the National Legal Aid Bureau helped a total of 12,287 unaccompanied children and teenagers from abroad between 2021 and 2025. They received legal aid and representation in legal proceedings.
The other main topic was how to protect women and girls who have international protection, or are applying for it, from domestic and other violence.
Borisova said an inter-agency group at the ministry is preparing to bring EU Directive 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence into Bulgarian law. Experts are drafting proposals to change laws, including the Criminal Code, on cybercrime and sexual exploitation. The group is also discussing support for victims, prevention and better coordination between institutions.
The deputy minister said the work on the changes should be finished by March 2027.
Construction of a centre for refugee children began a month ago in the village of Ovchi Kladenets, in Yambol region.