Comments on rights of children in migration

Two UN Committees have issued authoritative guidance on the need for comprehensive and rights-based policies for all children, regardless of their migration or residence status – across migration and public policies – in countries of origin, transit, and destination/residence.

The Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC Committee) and the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW Committee) jointly adopted two general comments on the human rights of children in situations of international migration.*

The Joint General Comments represent guidance for governments on how to meet their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (ratified by all UN member states except the USA) and, for those governments that have also ratified it, the Migrant Workers’ Convention.

They cover general measures of implementation; fundamental principles: non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to be heard, the right to life, survival and development, non-refoulement and the prohibition of collective expulsion; age and identification as a child; the right to liberty; due process guarantees and access to justice; the right to a name, identity and nationality; family life; protection from all forms of violence and abuse; protection from economic exploitation; the rights to an adequate standard of living, health, education and professional training; and international cooperation.

To view the press release of the UN Committees, click here.