When families move from one place to another, then children move with them. The minors do not make decisions to migrate or undertake such journeys alone.  But more children than ever before are fleeing without adults to look after them.

Unaccompanied and Separated Children:

War and political violence around the world are the reasons for these circumstances. These children are – unaccompanied minors or separated children. Unaccompanied children are not looked after by parents, relatives or any adults. Besides, there are children who are separated from their parents or primary caregivers. Sometimes they remain under the care of relatives. Hence the term ‘separated children.’

Why Children Migrate Alone:

There are different reasons why children migrate alone. They could be fleeing persecution or  might be the victims of natural disasters. Some of them are trying to avoid conflict, gang violence, or enlistment into rebel armies.

Sometimes, the flight process separates children from their parents or older relatives. These are the times when the children need their families the most. The separated children face these turmoil alone, without the protection of their families. Which makes their stories even more heartbreaking. Parents have had to make the difficult choice to send their kids alone. Such a decision comes down to the hope of ensuring their survival.

In some cases the parents have to migrate and seek asylum first, leaving the children behind. After they have secured a safe place, only then their children migrate by themselves. More often than not these minors have to take very risky routes without any adult protection.

Current Scenario of Unaccompanied Minors:

The number of unaccompanied or separated children (USAC) are at an all time high. Now more than ever the discussions on the rights of these children have become necessary. There are 35 million children below the age of 18 who are refugees. Thousands of these children arrive in a country either on their own or with relatives. There are 153,300 unaccompanied minors and separated children worldwide. (according to a UNHCR report estimation:  )

It is almost impossible for a child to face the world alone and remain the same. The interrupted childhood compels them to assume adult responsibilities.

Older children become caregivers, protectors, and providers to their younger siblings. Often they do the unimaginable to survive. Thus, they are more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Migrating alone is physically and psychologically tiring and dangerous. It exposes them to physical violence, rape, manipulation, and human trafficking.

Girls are at a greater risk of sexual and gender-based violence. The police or immigration officers also exploit these children instead of protecting them. Moreover they do not get access to adequate medical services, education. They do not get official identity or appropriate documents. Getting registration of their refugee status is also difficult.

There is not much consideration given to their needs as children. Some of these children remain in detention facilities in inhumane conditions. It contributes to them having childhood interrupted. The detention facilities force them to stay with adults they do not know. Children in such facilities suffer physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.

Sometimes the children do not get asylum and end up returning to their countries. There are possibilities of mismanagement in their asylum requests. The authorities are not attentive to their needs. At least not in an age-appropriate or gender-sensitive manner.

Some Commendable Initiatives: 

The European Court of Human Rights has recently ruled on the unlawful detention of migrant children in EU states. As per international law, authorities should not detain the children. Humanitarian organizations around the world have made a strong stance favoring this law.

UNICEF and UNHCR insist on a Best Interest Analysis (BIA) before a decision to detain a child. It should identify the action in the child’s best interest. Authorities can only detain children after carefully considering their physical and mental safety. BIA should also highly consider their age and gender before deciding to detain them.

UNHCR also advocates child-appropriate alternatives to detention. They suggest connecting children with relatives in the country of asylum. They also suggest for children the foster care systems or residential quarters. UNHCR is also pushing initiatives, such as:

• Supervised independent living in Greece
• Guardianship program in Italy
• Protection coordinators initiative in Germany

These projects have benefitted from the direct input of children. Moreover these projects have made a positive impact in a lot of migrant children’s lives.

Awakening Amongst Everyone:

The issues faced by unaccompanied children have prompted people everywhere to speak out. People are making an effort to learn more about migration issues. Some governments and policies add more trauma to these children’s lives.

People are speaking against such tendencies.  They are also educating others to become more involved in this movement. Also, they are encouraging people to support local NGOs by donating time and money. All these efforts have been successful in raising awareness about this sensitive issue.

Standing for the rights of refugee children is long overdue. No child deserves to have their childhood interrupted. The recent initiatives for the unaccompanied minor and separated children have positive impacts.

The post Unaccompanied Minors: A Childhood Interrupted appeared first on UMR.

Where the promise of tomorrow rests upon the shoulders of its youngest citizens, Pakistan faces a profound challenge in securing the well-being of its children. While children are universally hailed as society’s greatest asset, the crushing reality in many parts of the world, including Pakistan, paints a different picture. Economic struggles, compounded by political and security concerns, have left a significant portion of the population, particularly women and children, grappling with poverty and distress.

Pakistan’s Economic Challenge

Despite Pakistan being dubbed as one of the next eleven countries with ‘economic potential, the country’s political and security concern has declined, with almost a quarter of the population living under $1 a day. Economic decline, poverty, natural disasters, and other aspects are putting families in distress. A Majority of them are women and children.

The impact of climate change is evident in Pakistan.  The country is undergoing natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, etc. All of these are resulting in the country’s socio-economic downfall. The poverty rate is on the rise. Areas within South Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan are heavily populated with people living under the poverty line with very minimum access to essentials such as food, clean water, and shelter. 

Ongoing Impacts and Displacement

Pakistan has also been affected by ongoing climate changes, with heavy floods and earthquakes destroying millions of homes and leaving many more displaced and living on the streets. Children are compelled to drop out of school to support their families. Many women and children are displaced due to floods. As a result, they suffer from a lack of adequate access to food and water. Amidst this crisis, these children are losing their parents and families. Many are becoming orphans. 

Pakistan has also been affected by ongoing climate changes with heavy floods and earthquakes destroying millions of homes and leaving many more displaced and living on the streets. Children are compelled to drop out of school to support their families. Many women and children are displaced due to floods. As a result, they suffer from a lack of adequate access to food and water. Amidst this crisis, these children are losing their parents and families. Many are becoming orphans. 

These young lives need our support. Our support, love, and care can help protect their bright future. Thus, UMR offers a Child Protection program every year to strengthen economic opportunities for children and their families.

Child Protection Program UMR provides cash assistance to 100 orphan children and families. We have helped them with all the essentials food, housing, clothing, and other basic needs of life because many don’t have any. This can guarantee that they live in a cozy and secure atmosphere.

We want to secure education for children by providing books and necessary school supplies. Apart from that, the donation fund can assist in granting orphans access to healthcare, which is necessary for their health and well-being. It is important to ensure their well-being.

They can lower their risk of illness and disease by receiving the appropriate treatments and immunizations thanks to medical care. All children are registered & selected based on objective criteria that establish their need and their ability to benefit from the program.

Education and Healthcare Access

Education is a key focus of the program, seeking to secure a future for these children by providing them with essential school supplies and books. Additionally, the donation fund is granting orphans access to healthcare, an indispensable component of their overall well-being. The emphasis is on safeguarding their health and reducing the risk of illness and disease through appropriate medical care. The program meticulously selects and registers all children based on objective criteria, ensuring that those in dire need benefit from the program.

UMR’s Annual Child Protection Program

In response to this urgent need for support, the UMR initiates an annual Child Protection Program designed to fortify economic opportunities for children and their families. This program offers cash assistance to 100 orphaned children and families, addressing their fundamental needs such as food, housing, and clothing. This holistic approach aims to create a nurturing and secure environment, ensuring these children grow up in a comfortable setting.

Our Collective Responsibility for Child Welfare

Pakistan’s children are facing immense challenges due to economic decline, poverty, and the devastating impact of climate change. The Child Protection Program by UMR is a beacon of hope, providing vital support to orphaned children and their families. By offering essential resources such as food, housing, education, and healthcare, this program aims to secure a brighter future for these vulnerable youngsters. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Through our support and care, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and protect the precious promise of their future.

In conclusion,

Pakistan’s children are facing immense challenges due to economic decline, poverty, and the devastating impact of climate change. The Child Protection Program by UMR is a beacon of hope, providing vital support to orphaned children and their families. By offering essential resources such as food, housing, education, and healthcare, this program aims to secure a brighter future for these vulnerable youngsters. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Through our support and care, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and protect the precious promise of their future.

Frequently Asked Question

What Are Some of the Major Challenges That Children in Pakistan Are Facing?

Children in Pakistan are facing challenges such as economic decline, widespread poverty, and the detrimental effects of climate change. These challenges are leaving many families, particularly women and children, in distress.

How Has Climate Change Impacted the Socio-Economic Situation in Pakistan, especially in Regions Like South Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan?

Climate change has led to an increase in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and landslides in Pakistan. These disasters have contributed to a rise in poverty rates and limited access to necessities in regions such as South Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.

What is the Child Protection Program offered by UMR, and what kind of assistance does it provide to orphaned children and their families?

The Child Protection Program by UMR offers crucial support to orphaned children and their families. It provides cash assistance, essentials like food and housing, educational resources, and access to healthcare, creating a secure and nurturing environment for vulnerable children.

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