The global number of refugee and migrant children moving alone has reached a record high.
A new report from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) shows that at least 300,000 unaccompanied and separated children were recorded in some 80 countries in 2015–2016, which is up from 66,000 in 2010–2011.
Legal issues
Millions of children are on the move across international borders mainly fleeing from violence and conflict.
When they can’t find opportunities to move legally, children sometimes have to resort to dangerous routes and engage smugglers to help them cross borders.
Children and others fleeing conflict, violence and persecution have their rights protected, at least in law, under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
In practice though, they may find few legal means to move out of harm’s way. States have made it increasingly difficult for asylum seekers and migrants to enter their territories.
Carrier sanctions prevent airlines from taking on board passengers without the necessary entry permits, leaving people who genuinely need protection unable to get on a flight to seek asylum.
Exploitation
According to UNICEF, the current system is failing refugee and migrant children. States have a responsibility to uphold their rights and protect all children within their borders, without exception.
Traffickers and other exploiters thrive especially where state institutions are weak, where organized crime abounds, and also where migrants become stuck and desperate.