Away from Home – Protecting and Supporting Children on the Move Presented by Kgomotso Montsho (Richard) Limpopo Programme Manager

Introduction Save the Children is the world’s independent children’s rights organisation.  As Save the Children we’re irritated that millions of children are still denied proper - Healthcare, - Food, - Education and - Protection  The purpose of the study was to find out what happen to children as they move from country of origin to the host country and use the findings to influence the policy through evidence based experiences from children.

Background  Millions of children are on the move, both within and between countries, with or without all over the world.  This trend is set to continue over the next few decades and is driven by: - economic developments, - violent conflict, - state failure, - natural disasters, and - environmental and resource pressures,  However, the needs and interests of children on the move are largely absent from mainstream debates on both child protection and migration

 1960, 116 million international migrants worldwide  2000, 176 million international migrants worldwide  2005, 191 million international migrants worldwide  2008, 3.3 billion internal migrants worldwide It is estimated that 42% of internal migrants worldwide are children People’s movement: Global estimates

Why Children move?  Look for employment or education opportunities  Escape chronic poverty  Escape abuse or domestic violence  Access consumer goods or entertainment  Opportunities  Gain status  Rebuild their lives as a result of the impact of  HIV and AIDS, conflict or natural disasters  Escape discrimination.

The risks children face when they move  Travelling conditions - dangerous or unsafe conditions  Crossing borders often entails extra dangers – e.g. SGBV  Risks at destination – child labour and exploitation  Living conditions – exposure to a range of hazards and harms  Access to education - barriers to getting an education  Gender, age, ethnicity and discrimination  Access to services - Basic services are not designed to take account of children on the move.

What support they need  Supporting local communities to protect Children  Establishment of Child protection committees, which include people from the local community  Reception or drop-in centres where young migrants who have just arrived could be received  Develop a database to register all new arrivals  Provide safe residential accommodation (temporary place of safety)  Telephone helplines to give advice to young people wanting to migrate.  Provide advice and practical support ( trauma counseling, debriefing, etc)

Key recommendations from the study?  Ensure that children on the move are visible in all relevant national and international policy discussions.  Address gaps in legislation, policies and services to protect and support children on the move, with the full involvement of children themselves.  Support cooperation and partnership initiatives that promote the best interests of children on the move.

Thank you!