1. Youth and migration

2. 214 million people – three per cent of the world’s population – are now living outside their countries of origin 33 million of these are under the age of 20 (UN Populations Division, International Migration, Population Facts No. 2010/6) "The protection of children is necessary and essential at all stages of the migration process" (United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants Jorge Bustamante, 2009 report to the Human Rights Council)

3.  Young people migrate for a complex mixture of reasons, which encompass both voluntary and forced migration  Either accompanied (with family members) or unaccompanied, and/or to join family members

4. Risks and vulnerabilities young migrants face across the migratory trails  Before they migrate - unemployment of young people or their parents - economic hardship - political upheaval and conflict - family violence and child abuse - child brides / marriage bureaus  During migration - inadequate or no documentation - victims of trafficking - various forms of sexual and economic exploitation - forced to use smuggling options and life risking routes of escape

5.  On reaching their destination Once a young migrant has arrived at his or her destination (legally or not), they are often subject to the following protection issues: 1.lack of documentation verifying their age and status 2. lack of information about their rights and who can assist them 3.social isolation and lack of familiar networks to support them 4.fear of the unknown and being reported to the authorities

6. All four factors have a serious impact on a young person, which often prevent them gaining access to assistance which ensures their Safety, well being and dignity :  Health care  Adequate shelter  Education  Access to employment which is safe, legal and ensures their rights are protected

7. IFRC’s role in protecting young migrants  IFRC addresses humanitarian needs of migrants, including children and youth, regardless of their legal status  Focus on vulnerability and needs of young migrants, especially the most vulnerable; those who are unaccompanied, children in detention, disabled and seriously ill migrants, young girls and victims of trafficking  Auxiliary status with States – our unique relationship with Government agencies to ensure protection and the rights of young migrants are upheld  Global network of 186 NS with extensive volunteer network developing projects to assist young migrants

8. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Developing young migrants, for today and Tomorrow: IFRC key priorities:  Providing technical support to NS to develop youth policies and opportunities for youth action (YABC)  Facilitating the global knowledge sharing in the area of youth development, including respect for diversity and non-discrimination (Solferino Youth Declaration) Building partnerships with other youth based organisations such as YWCA/YMCA, Scouts, Guides etc…..

9.  Strengthening youth regional national society networks and cooperation with local organizations working with and for youth, including engagement and participation of young migrants  Sharing tools such as: - Positive Images (British RC) - Harmony Day and Labels campaign (Australia RC) - Diversity, our best option (Spanish RC)

10. The importance of youth involvement  Around 50% of IFRC volunteers worldwide are young people => 50 million young humanitarians  IFRC recognises the value of youth as key agents for social change, bridging the age divide, valuing diversity and ensuring youth have a say in economic development and environmental challenges  IFRC Strategy 2020: reinforces a special focus on young people across all 4 strategic aims  Youth as positive contributors, innovators, inter-cultural ambassadors and peer-to-peer facilitators  Strengthening intergenerational and intercultural transfer of experience

11. IFRC Youth Initiatives  IFRC is working with young migrants around the world in volunteer programmes: language skills, homework, organising social events and creating network opportunities, … this often involves migrant volunteers helping others.  The focus is on ensuring youth have a strong voice in improving awareness of the risks migrants face at all stages of their journey, and vulnerabilities within host societies Initiatives like ‘Youth on the Run’ a 24-hr refugee simulation game for youth. The game’s purpose is to teach young people what it is like to flee a war-torn country and seek asylum somewhere else.

12. Solferino Youth Declaration (2009)  23-28 June: Gathering of over 500 young volunteers  Seminars on various subjects, including non-discrimination and respect for diversity  How to address todays ’Solferinos’, i.e. the most pressing humanitarian challenges  North Africa Youth delegation at Solferino meeting

13. Positive Images  European project led by the British Red Cross  Awareness raising and promoting positive attitudes among young people (aged 12 to 25) towards vulnerable migrants  How? Positive Images Toolkit => educational resource for teachers, youth workers and other educators  Lesson plans, games, videos and interactive activities

14. Norwegian Red Cross Youth  Role-play: «on the run» - be a refugee for 24 hours  Activities for young asylum-seekers in reception centres: movies, football, hike in the mountains etc  Opportunity for young asylum-seekers to join RC Youth and actively participate in the organisation

15. “LABELS” CAMPAIGN  Australian RC in cooperation with MTV  On-air campaign to encourage understanding and fight discrimination  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdvfVqv6uswhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdvfVqv6usw

16. Thank you