Youth and migration

Youth and migration

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)

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

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

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

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

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

YOUTH DEVELOPMENTDeveloping 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…..

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)

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

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-hrrefugee 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.

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

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

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

“LABELS” CAMPAIGN Australian RC in cooperation with MTV

On-air campaign to encourage understanding and fight discrimination

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdvfVqv6usw

Thank you