Child Migration Rights.pdf

The Committee on the Rights of the Child held a Day of General Discussion on "The Rights of All Children in the Context of International Migration" in 2012, aiming to raise awareness and discuss children's rights in international migration situations. The discussion focused on identifying specific children's rights issues, principles, and examples of good policies and practices, as well as promoting exchange of information and collaboration between actors dealing with children's rights in international migration. The Committee received over 60 written submissions and issued a Background Paper elaborating on its main concerns and views on the rights of all children in international migration. Keynote speakers emphasized the vulnerabilities of children in international migration, particularly girl child migrants, unaccompanied children, and children with disabilities, and called for recognition of all children as independent rights-holders, regardless of circumstances and status. The Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants highlighted the need to recognize children as independent agents, not just "objects" or "victims of circumstances," and emphasized that immigration policies should never be enforced at the expense of a child's enjoyment of their rights and best interests.