Alarming numbers of children are moving alone Many children move alone and face particularly grave risks. In parts of the world, the number of children moving on their own has skyrocketed. At least 300,000 unaccompanied and separated children moving across borders were registered in 80 countries in 2015–2016 – a near five fold increase from 66,000 in 2010–2011; this number is most likely a low ball estimate.
Without safe and legal pathways, children find few opportunities to move legally. This lack of legal support doesn't push migrants out it pushes them to use illegal methods like smuggling. Once children and families place their fates in the hands of smugglers, the transaction can readily take a turn towards abuse or exploitation – especially when children and families incur debts to pay smugglers’ fees.
Governments need to start sharing the responsibility to protect children on the move, a responsibility they feel is lacking attention as seen in the 2016 New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants.
What should be done to prevent the children rights violations?
1. Protect uprooted children from exploitation and violence
2. End the detention of refugee and migrant children by creating practical alternatives
3. Keep families together and give children legal status
4. Help uprooted children to stay in school and stay healthy
5. Press for action on the causes that uproot children from their homes
6. Combat xenophobia and discrimination
To read more about the action plan and how YOU can help, read further on:
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