The global population of unaccompanied minors—children and adolescents younger than 18 years who migrate without their legal guardians—is increasing. However, as data are not systematically collected in any region, if collected at all, little is known about this diverse group of young people. Compared with adult migrants, unaccompanied minors are at greater risk of harm to their health and integrity because they do not have the protection provided by a family, which can affect their short-term and long-term health. This Review summarises evidence regarding the international migration and health of unaccompanied minors. Unaccompanied minors are entitled to protection that should follow their best interests as a primary consideration; however, detention, sometimes under the guise of protection, is a widespread practice. If these minors are provided with appropriate forms of protection, including health and psychosocial care, they can thrive and have good long-term outcomes. Instead, hostile immigration practices persist, which are not in the best interests of the child.

全球举目无亲的未成年人（即 18 岁以下没有法定监护人陪伴移民的儿童和青少年）人数正在增加。然而，由于没有在任何地区系统地收集数据，即使收集了数据，人们对这个多样化的年轻人群体也知之甚少。与成年移民相比，无人陪伴的未成年人因没有家庭提供的保护而面临更大的健康和完整性受到伤害的风险，这可能会影响他们的短期和长期健康。本次审查总结了有关国际移民和无人陪伴未成年人健康的证据。无人陪伴的未成年人有权获得保护，应将其最大利益作为首要考虑；然而，有时以保护为幌子的拘留是一种普遍做法。如果为这些未成年人提供适当形式的保护，包括健康和社会心理护理，他们就能茁壮成长并取得良好的长期成果。相反，敌对移民做法依然存在，这不符合儿童的最大利益。