Statement from the Ministry about 13 children missing in Edirne

The Ministry of Family and Social Services made a written statement regarding the children reported missing in Edirne. The Ministry reported that 14 unaccompanied foreign national children detected within the scope of irregular migration did not return to the institution where they stayed after receiving market permit, one of the children returned, and the other 13 children were searched.

In the statement made on the ministry's social media account, statements were made regarding the news titled "Children under state protection are missing in Edirne: An investigation has been launched" published in some media outlets.

It was stated that the children mentioned in the news were not children under state protection, but unaccompanied foreign children detected within the scope of irregular migration, and that the expression used did not accurately reflect the status of the children.

THEY DID NOT RETURN FROM THE MARKET PERMIT

The Ministry announced that 14 children who were handed over to the Edirne First Admission Arda Children's Homes Site Directorate did not return to the institution after the market permit was given on October 11, 2026.

In the statement, it was stated that the situation was immediately reported to law enforcement forces and an effort was initiated to find the children, and the following statements were made:

"One of the children has returned to the institution and efforts are continuing to find the other 13 children. The safety and best interest of the children is our priority. The process, carried out in coordination with relevant institutions, is closely followed by our Ministry."