Migrant children should not be separated from their families

PANAMA CITY, 10 September 2024.- Children now represent one in four migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean, and, just like all children, they have the right to be protected and to be with their families.

Families on the move in the region have had no option but to leave their homes due to high levels of inequality, poverty and violence, exacerbated by disasters and extreme weather events. During their journey, they cross treacherous terrain and are exposed to life-threatening situations.

No matter their migration status and no matter where they are, children have the right to be with their family or caregivers, as established by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF reminds governments of their obligation to ensure border and reception processes do not result in deliberate or inadvertent family separation. It only adds an extra layer of stress and trauma to their lives.

Whether travelling with their family or alone, migrant and refugee children are entitled to a process to have their best interests properly assessed with a view of identifying sustainable solutions, including further integration and settlement in the country of current residence, repatriation to the country of origin or resettlement in a third country. They also have the right to claim asylum and not to be returned to places where their lives or well-being are at risk.

UNICEF calls on all governments in Latin America and the Caribbean to adopt Best Interests Determination procedures to effectively keep families together and reunite separated children with their caregivers. UNICEF remains committed to working with countries across the region to protect children and ensure their migration policies consider the best interests of the child.