Protecting Children Affected by Migration in Tajikistan

Dushanbe, 10 February 2021– UNICEF, the European Union, and the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment of the Population held the sixth meeting of the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) to discuss the progress in the implementation of the "Protecting Children Affected by Migration in South-East, South and Central Asia" project and it's exit strategy. 

Since its initiation, the EU and UNICEF co-funded project has made great strides in improving the lives of children (and their caregivers) affected by migration. The joint efforts of all the project partners, ensured that 9,478 children (51% girls) from 23 districts of Tajikistan were supported within the framework of the project.

With the legal support of the POs “Chashma” and “Right and Prosperity” and the Ministry of Justice, 6,466 of children have received birth certificates, 231 of children received passport and 5,147 of children received financial aid to pay the fees for document's obtaining. 

The “Terre des hommes” INGO has supported 620 children (291 girls) by ensuring they receive services based on their individual needs. Through the assistance it has provided to families, the project prevented the placement of five children into institutionalised care, referred 50 children in need to medical facilities, ensured the enrollment of 16 children in sports workshops, and lobbied for the admission of 12 children into preschool facilities.

Building on the capacity of community members including government officials, caregivers, and service providers is essential to ensuring continuity of the project’s interventions. Therefore, 778 government employees and service providers were trained on case management and 224 parents (196 female) were referred to the vocational training. 

The UNICEF Representative in the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali said: "There has never been a more critical time to act to protect the rights of children affected by migration. Tajikistan is a signatory to the Convention of the Rights of the Child, yet many issues remain. Stateless children are being pushed into a lifetime of marginalization and vulnerability, with this inequity perpetrated across generations. Children left behind and affected by migration face many challenges in accessing basic health, social security, and education services.

Stateless children are being pushed into a lifetime of marginalization and vulnerability, with this inequity perpetrated across generations. Children left behind and affected by migration face many challenges in accessing basic health, social security, and education services.

"This joint initiative between the EU and UNICEF aims to enhance the capacities of partner countries in the management of all areas of migration including protection of children affected by migration in South, Southeast and Central Asia. Sound policies, urgent and joint actions are needed to put migrant and left behind children at the forefront of preparedness, prevention and response to COVID-19 – to ensure health, safety, and protection for all today, as well as in the long term. We strongly believe that the EU and UNICEF’s ongoing experience in migration issues will help Tajik partners from the MoLME and other government agencies in building institutional capacity and tackling, challenges associated with migration."-Head of Operations of the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan, Mr. Stefano Ellero raised concerns regarding an irregular migration and forced displacement and called for actions to find durable solutions for refugees and investments in migration management. 

We strongly believe that the EU and UNICEF’s ongoing experience in migration issues will help Tajik partners from the MoLME and other government agencies in building institutional capacity and tackling, challenges associated with migration.

The "Protecting Children Affected by Migration in South-East, South and Central Asia" project was launched in Tajikistan in 2017 with the aim to protect children affected by migration through close partnership with local NGO's and the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment of Tajikistan. The project will finish by the end of June 2021. It is expected that by June 2021, the project will launch the information and communication portal on children in migration processes and finalise development of the exit strategy to sustain the project achievements in future. 

***

About the Project

The Protecting Children Affected by Migration project was launched in December of 2017 by the European Union and UNICEF and aims to protect children affected by migration in countries across Southeast, South, and Central Asia, including Tajikistan. It aims to reach at least 2,500 Tajik children, including those who are migrating and those who have been left behind by parents or caregivers.

The contribution from the European Union and UNICEF to Tajikistan will help to strengthen national child protection systems by training professionals and government authorities to identify, refer, and assist vulnerable children affected by migration and to apply child-friendly procedures at border points. This will help to ensure that children and families have access to social assistance, legal aid, psycho-social support, counselling, birth registration, and parenting support.

About the European Union

The European Union is made up of 28 Member States who link their knowledge, resources, and destinies to build a zone of stability, democracy, and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedom. The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and its values with countries and peoples beyond its borders. It has been active in Tajikistan since 1992, and provides approximately €35 million annually in development assistance.