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Children on the move
As of January 2016, an estimated 30 million children are on the move, both within and between countries, with or without their parents. They are part of large-scale population movements currently taking place in many parts of the world.
Children on the move are those children moving for a variety of reasons, voluntary or involuntary within or between countries, with or without their parents or other primary caregivers, and whose movement might place them at risk (or at an increased risk) of inadequate care, economic or sexual exploitation, abuse, neglect or violence.
Children on the move is an umbrella term that brings together a series of categories of children to highlight their common protection needs, including, children who have been trafficked, children who migrate (e.g. to pursue better life opportunities, to look for work or education or to escape exploitative or abusive situations at home, or because of other protection needs), children displaced by conflict and natural disasters and children who live and work in the streets.
Movement can help children and their families improve their living standards and life opportunities. However, children do not always benefit from such potentials. Child protection policies and interventions should refocus to place the protection of the child at the centre as well as the need to support the positive aspects of mobility.
Save the Children’s goal is that all children, including those on the move and in emergencies, have appropriate care either from their own families or community-based alternatives.
Photo: Pedro Armestre/Save the Children
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Protecting Children on the Move in Asia: Child Rights and the Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration
Across Asia, millions of children on the move are among the region’s most vulnerable people. Migrant children and their families often exist on the margins of society, struggling to access healthcare and education, and at constant risk of violence and exp
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Save the Children Documentary Podcast: Children on the Move in Central America
Relentless gang violence, poverty and dreams to reunite with their families drive thousands of young people from Central America up to the US every year. Meet 17-year-old Elisabeth who tried to flee El Salvador after threats of kidnapping, and Bryan who j
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Girls on the Move Research Series
The dream of a better future makes millions of girls leave their homes each year. Every girl carries a powerful story- why she migrates, the risks she faces, and the vision of a future she heads toward. It is important that girls' stories are heard. Girls
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Digital Safeguarding for Migrating and Displaced Children: An overview of the current context and trends, potential risks and practical next steps
An estimated 34 million children and youth are forcibly displaced and many more are on the move in search of economic and educational opportunities. Digital connectivity, digital data and emerging technologies are changing how displaced people inform them
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Balkans Migration and Displacement Hub Data and Trend Analysis: Regional overview (July-September 2020)
Data and Trend Analysis (DATA) Refugees and Migrants at the Western Balkans Route Regional Overview, covering period April – June 2020, describes key trends in migrations in the region, detailing information about the number of people on the move, demogra
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Struggling to Survive: Unaccompanied and separated children travelling the Western Balkans Route
The study ”Struggling to Survive” identifies and deepens the understanding of informal practices used and experiences of unaccompanied and separated migrant children during the course of their migration journey. Refugees and migrants, including unaccompan
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Roundtable on Refugee Education: Meeting our promises on refugee education during COVID-19
In recognition of the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on education for refugees, Save the Children, Education Cannot Wait, the World Bank and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education co-hosted a high-level, virtual roundtable to discuss ke
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Balkans Migration and Displacement Hub Data and Trend Analysis: Regional overview (January-March 2020)
Data and Trend Analysis (DATA) Refugees and Migrants at the Western Balkans Route Regional Overview, covering period January – March 2020, describes key trends in migrations in the region, detailing information about the number of people on the move, demo
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Balkans Migration and Displacement Hub Data and Trend Analysis: Regional overview (April-June 2020)
Data and Trend Analysis (DATA) Refugees and Migrants at the Western Balkans Route Regional Overview, covering period April – June 2020, describes key trends in migrations in the region, detailing information about the number of people on the move, demogra
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Balkans Migration and Displacement Hub Data and Trend Analysis: Regional overview (October-December 2019)
Data and Trend Analysis (DATA) Refugees and Migrants at the Western Balkans Route Regional Overview, covering period October- December 2019, describes key trends in migrations in the region, detailing information about the number of people on the move, de
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Conflict and Violence and Mixed Migration Flows of Children and Youth in East and the Horn of Africa
Over the past years, the world has witnessed record levels of mixed migration, mainly originating from and hosted within developing countries. Individuals and families migrate for a variety of reasons, some choose to leave to seek education and employment
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Stakeholder Mapping in Mixed Migration Flows of Children and Youth in East and Horn of Africa
Over the past years, the world has witnessed record levels of mixed migration, mainly originating from and hosted within developing countries. Individuals and families migrate for a variety of reasons, some choose to leave to seek education and employment