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UNACCOMPANIED FOOTSTEPS

In Latin America and the Caribbean, thousands of children must take “UNACCOMPANIED FOOTSTEPS” as they migrate alone through various countries or have been separated from their families or caregivers.

This situation puts migrant children at a greater risk of abandonment, neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Their human rights may be violated.

We want civil society organizations and decision-makers to protect migrant and refugee children and accompany them at every step of their journey.

LET’S PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS

Who are the separated and unaccompanied children and adolescents in the context of human mobility?

Separated children and adolescents are not under the care or protection of a relative or adult during their journey.

Unaccompanied children and adolescents migrate without the company of their parents but are under the care of a relative or a responsible person.

Why do they migrate?

Children and adolescents who are unaccompanied or separated from their families must leave their country for different reasons, such as:

☑️ Violence

☑️ Threats from gangs and organized crime

☑️ Intention to reunite with relatives

☑️ Search for better living conditions

☑️ Their life is at risk

☑️ Child marriage

☑️ Recruitment risk

What actions can be taken:

  • Offer children and adolescents alternatives that avoid retention.

  • Guarantee access to basic services for children such as a balanced diet and uninterrupted education.
  • Ensure protection against COVID-19 regardless of immigration status.
  • Guarantee that the protection systems in the countries of destination can provide a solution to each case, considering the best interests of the child.
  • Promote family reunification
  • Provide information to access conditions of asylum, protection, or refuge status.

UNACCOMPANIED FOOTSTEPS is a campaign created by:

The Regional Child Protection Subgroup in Humanitarian Action, is an independent platform made up of organizations that provide care for children. The subgroup actively participates and provides inputs to the protection sector of the RedLac and R4V platforms.

To protect the rights of unaccompanied and separated migrant and refugee children, the subgroup:

  1. Reviews the legislative frameworks in each country to analyze if the legislation includes the care of separated and unaccompanied migrant and refugee children.
  2. Maps the services available for unaccompanied and separated migrant and refugee children.
  3. Researches relevant data related to the situation of separated and unaccompanied migrant and refugee children to ensure that programs respond to their needs.
  4. Makes the situation of separated and unaccompanied migrant and refugee children more visible by raising awareness about the risks and implications of migrating under these conditions and promoting changes that ensure their care and protection.