Rights of Migrants in Action: Child protection projects – Synthesis report of lessons learned in Benin, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Indonesia

The “Rights of Migrants in Action” (RoMiA) was a global project that aimed to protect and promote the rights of migrants while harnessing the knowledge and building the capacity of civil society organizations (CSO). The project focused on enforcing and promoting the rights of, and improving access to services, for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) and victims of human trafficking (VoT), as these are particularly vulnerable groups. Working in 15 countries along migration corridors, the project reflected, from a national and regional perspective, the challenges faced by migrants, their families, governments and service providing organizations.

Between July and December 2017, four evaluations were conducted by external consultants to understand the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the projects focused on protection and assistance to children in Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Indonesia. Given its relevance, information on similar projects in Benin was also compiled for this synthesis study. Samples of communication materials from Honduras are also included given their relevance to the topic and contribution to coordinated regional efforts.

The key objective of the evaluations was to determine successes, challenges and future directions of Red Cross and Red Crescent-supported projects to protect children on the move. The focus on children reflects the particular needs of girl and boy migrants, or those at risk of migrating, in relation to trafficking and exploitative labour.