EWSA MUN 3.

0
AGENDA
Impact of forced migration on children and youth
Dear delegates,
Honourable Delegates, On behalf of the Bureau, we warmly welcome you to
the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Committee at Edify World
School Attapur Model United Nations (EWSA MUN). We are elated to be
serving on the Executive Board (EB) and look forward to having you be a
part of UNICEF, rendering these two days a magnificent two days. We will
always be there for you at every step, to encourage you, push your
boundaries, and recenter focus when needed. We count on you, as much as
you might count on us. We look forward to mutual growth, and learning,
albeit within the frame of discipline and cooperation. This background guide
is a mere framework for your deeper research. It consists of various angles
and viewpoints so you have a clear idea about the concepts associated with
the agenda. We cannot stress enough that you need to pursue your own
sources, especially because the study guide will not cover your individual
stances. Read widely and extensively.

Be aware of your foreign policies. It’s crucial to bear in mind that your
success in the committee will highly depend on how well you prepare
yourself beforehand, as this is one of the core aspects you will need to fulfil if
you’re looking to excel in this committee. We wish you all the best.

Warm Regards,
MANASI KANTH (Chairperson)
GOKSHETRA (Co-Chairperson)

Table of Contents
1.Introduction
1.1. What is UNICEF?
1.2. An Overview of the UNICEF mandate
1.3. The Agenda
1.4. The Relevance of the Agenda

2.International Frameworks
2.1. UN Treaties Related to Migrant and Displaced Children

3.The Current Situation

3.1. An Introduction to Conflict Zones
3.2. Specific Challenges Faced by Children in Conflict Zones
3.3. Current Conflict Zones

4.Barriers to Implementation
4.1. Lack of Access to Education and Healthcare
4.2. Child Trafficking and Exploitation
4.3. Psychological and Emotional Impact on Children

5.Key Questions for Consideration

6.Additional Resources
6.2. Key Terminology
6.1. Citations for Reference
1.1. What is UNICEF?

UNICEF, or the United Nations Children's Fund, is a United Nations agency that works
to protect the rights of children and adolescents around the world:
UNICEF's mission is to help children survive, thrive, and reach their potential.
UNICEF focuses on the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children, especially those
who are hardest to reach.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to provide and advocate for
services such as education, health, nutrition, safe water, and sanitation. UNICEF
also works to protect children from violence and exploitation.
UNICEF was created in 1946 by the United Nations General Assembly to provide
emergency food and healthcare to children and mothers in countries that had been
devastated by World War II.

1.2. An Overview of the UNICEF mandate

UNICEF has a mandate to safeguard the rights of all children, everywhere. That mandate
is rooted in the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which sets out
universal and indivisible rights that apply to every child, and the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015, which apply to every
country.
In the 21 countries and territories in Europe and Central Asia where we have
programmes, our focus is on the children who are overlooked and left behind by
economic and social progress. Even in the most prosperous nations, there are always
children who, because of who and where they are, do not get the childhood they deserve -
and to which they are entitled under the Convention.
We remind governments in the region of the commitments they have made to all
children through the CRC and the SDGs and help them monitor their progress.

1.3. The Agenda

Forced migration is a pressing global issue, particularly affecting children and youth who
are among the most vulnerable populations in crisis situations. Millions are displaced
each year due to conflict, persecution, environmental disasters, and economic instability,
often leaving behind their homes, communities, and support systems.
1.4. The Relevance of the Agenda

Forced migration of children and youth can have a significant impact on their health,
well-being, and development:
Trauma
Children and youth may experience trauma before, during, and after displacement.
They may also face environmental, social, and physical hazards during their
migration journey.
Resettlement
Children may experience stressors in resettling, such as social dislocation,
acculturation, and isolation.
Mental health
Children may experience difficulties with emotional attachment to their parents, self-
esteem, and physical and psychological health.
Access to services
Displacement can disrupt access to education, healthcare, and safe water and
sanitation.
Social support
Social support can help protect children and youth against exposure to stressful life
events and promote second language learning.
Childcare
Attendance at childcare centres may be correlated with improvement in peer
problems, prosocial behaviour, nonverbal reasoning, and language abilities.
Immigration detention
Children held in immigration detention may be at higher risk than non-detained
displaced children.

2.International Frameworks

The United Nations set a common standard on human rights with the adoption of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Although the Declaration is not part of
binding international law, its acceptance by all countries around the world gives great
moral weight to the fundamental principle that all human beings, whatever our
nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language,
or any other status, are to be treated equally and with respect.
The United Nations has since adopted many legally binding international human rights
treaties and agreements, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. These
treaties are used as a framework for discussing and applying human rights. The principles
and rights they outline become legal obligations on the States that choose to be bound by
them. The framework also establishes legal and other mechanisms to hold governments
accountable in the event they violate human rights.
The instruments of the international human rights framework are the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and the nine core human rights treaties:
● The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
● The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
● The Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment
● The Convention on the Rights of the Child
● The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination
● The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women
● The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
● The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant
Workers and Members of Their Families
● The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance.

2.1. UN Treaties Related to Migrant and Displaced Children

Several UN treaties and frameworks address forced migration, particularly concerning

children and youth. Here are the key ones:

1. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): Adopted in 1989, this treaty
outlines the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children. It
emphasises the protection of children affected by armed conflict and displacement,
ensuring their rights to education, healthcare, and protection from violence and
exploitation.
2. Optional Protocol to the CRC on the Involvement of Children in Armed
Conflict: This protocol, adopted in 2000, specifically addresses the recruitment
 and use of children in hostilities, aiming to protect children from the consequences
of armed conflict, including forced migration.
3. UNHCR's Guidelines on Policies and Procedures in Dealing with
Unaccompanied Children Seeking Asylum: These guidelines focus on
protecting the rights of unaccompanied minors in the context of forced migration,
ensuring they receive proper care and legal protection.
4. Global Compact on Refugees (2018): This framework emphasises the need for
comprehensive responses to refugee situations, particularly focusing on the needs
of children and youth, including education and psychosocial support.
5. UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951): While not
exclusively focused on children, this treaty outlines the rights of refugees and the
obligations of states to protect them, including unaccompanied minors.
6. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Specifically, Goal 16 aims to promote
peaceful and inclusive societies and includes targets related to reducing violence
and exploitation against children, including those affected by forced migration.

3.The Current Situation

3.1.Global Statistics on Migrant and Displaced Children

Globally, there has been an estimated 230 per cent increase in the number of forcibly
displaced children both within countries and across borders as a result of persecution,
conflict, generalised violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing
public order, from 15.9 million in 2010 to 36.5 million in 2021.Between 2018 and 2023
47 million children on average per year were born as refugees (ibid.). As of December
2021, an estimated 22.5 million children (under 18 years) and 11.4 million young people
(15-24 years old) were living in internal displacement (IDMC, 2022). In 2020, there were
more than 9.8 million internal displacements of children due to weather-related events.
Although girls comprise 49 per cent of displaced children under 18 years, they are more
likely than boys to have their education interrupted and be at risk of gender-based
violence and exploitation.

3.2. An Introduction to Conflict Zones

A "conflict zone for forced migration on children and youth" refers to a geographical area
where ongoing armed conflict or political instability is causing children and young people
to be forcibly displaced from their homes, often due to violence, persecution, or threats to
their safety, leading them to seek refuge elsewhere as refugees or internally displaced
persons (IDPs)

Impact on children:
Forced migration and conflict zones can have a significant impact on children and youth,
including Mental health:Children in conflict zones may experience mental health
disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, Developmental delays:Children may
experience developmental delays in cognitive functioning, emotion regulation, and other
areas, Exposure to hazards:Children may be exposed to environmental, social, and
physical hazards, including landmines and unexploded ordnance, Loss of homes and
education:Children may lose their homes and be displaced from their neighbourhoods,
which can lead to disrupted education, Separation from family:Children may be
separated from their families, Stressors in resettlement:Children may experience stressors
in resettlement, such as social dislocation, acculturation, and isolation, Children may face
lengthy stays in camps or other situations without stability,Children in refugee and
detention centres may have developmental levels below normal.

Displacement and Vulnerability

Exposure to war, living in conflict zones, flight, and forced migration may create or
increase the risk for broad sequelae of direct and indirect risks for physical and mental
health, more so for children and their caregivers, and deprives children from
developmental opportunities and basic resources and causes them to be exposed to harm
due to their displacement in an unfamiliar territory.

Trauma and Emotional Distress

Witnessing violence and death, losing one’s home and community, being exposed to
destructive natural disasters or fearing for one’s safety are traumatic experiences that are
increasing in frequency and potentially severely impacting the mental health of children
across the globe. No one should have to live through them. These experiences are often
only the start of a series of adverse events and stressors that arise across the displacement
experience and that negatively impact children’s mental health.18 Not surprisingly, this
leads displaced children to have significantly higher mental health problems when
compared with the general population, with the most commonly diagnosed problems
including depression, anxiety and PTS.10,19 With migration and displacement
continuing to grow and detrimentally impact millions of children, the need to understand
the mental health of displaced children in order to better provide psychosocial support is
immense.
3.3. Current Conflict Zones
Conflict zones significantly impact children and youth, often leading to forced migration.
Here are some notable regions and contexts where children are particularly affected:

1. Syria: The ongoing civil war has resulted in millions of displaced children. Many
face violence, recruitment by armed groups, and disruptions in education and
healthcare.
2. Afghanistan: Continuous conflict and instability have led to significant internal
displacement and outflows of refugees, affecting children's safety and access to
education.
3. South Sudan: Ongoing violence and humanitarian crises have forced many
families to flee. Children are often separated from their parents and face risks of
exploitation and abuse.
4. Yemen: The civil war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with many children
suffering from malnutrition, lack of access to education, and displacement due to
violence.
5. Central African Republic (CAR): Prolonged violence has resulted in high levels
of displacement. Children face recruitment into armed groups and exposure to
violence.
6. Venezuela: Economic collapse and political instability have led to mass
emigration, with many children fleeing to neighboring countries, often
unaccompanied or in vulnerable situations.
7. Myanmar (Rohingya Crisis): The persecution of the Rohingya people has led to
mass displacement, with many children experiencing trauma and loss of education
in refugee camps.y since 2022, has resulted in significant internal and external
displacement, with many children affected by violence and disruption to their
lives.
8. Ethiopia (Tigray Conflict): Armed conflict has led to widespread displacement,
with children facing violence, recruitment, and severe shortages of food and
healthcare.
9. Somalia: Ongoing conflict and drought have caused displacement, with children
facing risks of recruitment into arm
10. Ukraine: The conflict, especially groups and lack of access to basic
services.
4.Barriers to Implementation

Barriers to Implementation: Impact of Forced Migration on Children and Youth

1. Limited Resources:
○ Funding Shortages: Many host countries and organisations lack adequate
financial resources to support the comprehensive needs of displaced
children and youth.
○ Insufficient Infrastructure: Overcrowded facilities and inadequate
healthcare and educational services can hinder effective support.
2. Political and Legal Challenges:
○ Lack of Legal Protections: Many migrant children lack legal
documentation, making them vulnerable to exploitation and limiting access
to services.
○ Policy Inconsistencies: Varied policies across countries can create barriers
to the protection and integration of displaced youth.
3. Cultural and Social Barriers:
○ Xenophobia and Discrimination: Negative attitudes toward migrants can
impede social integration, affecting mental health and community support.
○ Language Barriers: Communication difficulties can hinder access to
education, healthcare, and social services.
4. Coordination Challenges:
○ Fragmented Services: Lack of collaboration among government agencies,
NGOs, and local communities can lead to inefficient resource allocation
and service delivery.
○ Data Gaps: Inadequate data on the number and needs of displaced children
complicates planning and implementation of effective interventions.
5. Mental Health Stigma:
○ Underreporting of Issues: Cultural stigma around mental health can
prevent families from seeking help for trauma-related issues.
○ Lack of Trained Professionals: A shortage of mental health professionals
trained to address the specific needs of displaced youth exacerbates this
issue.
6. Educational Barriers:
○ Disruption of Schooling: Interruptions in education can lead to long-term
academic setbacks, affecting integration and future opportunities.
○ Inaccessible Educational Resources: In many areas, educational materials
and trained teachers are lacking, limiting learning opportunities.
7. Family Dynamics:
○ Separation and Trauma: Family separations during migration can lead to
additional emotional and psychological challenges for children.
○ Economic Pressures: Families may face financial hardships that force
children into labour instead of school, further hindering their development.
4.1.lack of Access to Education and Healthcare

Lack of access to education and healthcare: effects of forced migration on children and
youth

Background

Forced migration is a process that affects access to education and health care for children
and youth. Of the two aspects, education and health care are the most relevant in enabling
the integrated young people to grow and develop appropriately. Both, however, are
usually denied for some other reasons that deepen the vulnerableness of the victims and
retard their prospects for growth.

Denial of Education

1. Disruption of Continuity of School Attendance:

For most forcibly displaced students, forced migration completely cuts them off from
school attendance, making it impossible to resume schooling in the country of
destination.

2. Obstacles to Enrolling in Schools:

Legal and administrative obstacles such as lack of identification documents or lack of
legal residency status continue to exclude children from attending local schools.
-The existence of various languages causes major problems, which in most cases makes it
difficult for non-natives to fit in the school system.
3. Quality of Education:
-Displaced children often find themselves in crowded classrooms where there are
insufficient resources, which subsequently indicates a decrease in the quality of education
they receive.
-Most of the education facilities in the refugee camp have no qualified teachers and also
minimal material or equipment, and this acts as a barrier to learning.

4. Social Isolation and Integration Problems:

Displaced young people face social integration challenges in new schools, leading to
isolation and impacting education.
5. Long-Term Impacts :
Inability to access education results in poor literacy levels and subsequently increases
illmonied employment opportunities, compelling young people to get locked into cycles
of poverty and marginalisation.

Lack of Access to Health Care

1. Availability of Service :
Basic services like vaccinations, preventive care, and treatment of acute conditions are
rarely accessed among the displaced populations.
The camps usually do not have the health structures or human resources to offer the
children and youth services.

2. Psychological Challenges
The trauma of forced migration can lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression, PTSD
amongst the young displaced populations, and mental health services will rarely be up to
par.
- Stigma around mental health is often very cultural in nature and prevents families
from accessing necessary services.
Multiply this with the fact that nutritional deficiencies can also affect young displaced
populations.

3. Nutritional deficiencies
A large percentage of children displace live under the conditions of food insecurity and
subsequent malnutrition; hence their physical and cognitive development will thus remain
heavily impacted.

4. Economic Constraints:
Many families will be unable to access health services, especially in host countries where
care will not be free, nor easy to access.

5. Long-term Health Consequences:

- Lack of health care during the development of the child or youth results in chronic
diseases, which eventually influence education and life in general.
6.Resources Additional

Additional Resources on the Effects of Forced Migration on Children and Adolescents

1. Reports and Publication

- UNICEF Reports: UNICEF periodically publishes reports aimed at establishing
effects of forced migration on children, touching issues such as education, health, and
protection.
- UNHCR Global Trends Report: Released annually, this document provides detailed
statistics and analysis of the global trend on displacement along with insight into the
situation of children and youth.

2. Research Studies
- The Lancet: A number of studies here detail health impacts of forced migration,
giving special attention to mental and physical health issues of displaced children.
Child Protection in Crisis: This program performs researches on child protection
concerns, including trafficking and exploitation, during forced migration.

3. Toolkits and Guidelines

- IASC Guidelines: Guidelines that direct the human needs for children in a
humanitarian setting, including educative and health issues.
- Save the Children's Child Protection Toolkit: Gives conceptual and practical support to
protect children in emergencies, which includes coverage of education and healthcare
strategies.

4. Organisations and NGOs

- International Rescue Committee (IRC): Focused on the integrated approach on
education and health services for displaced populations, resources and programs designed
especially for children and youth are available.
- Refugee Education Trust: Works to overcome barriers to education for children who are
refugees and offers programs as well as research on best practices.

5. Online Resources

- UNICEF's Child Protection Information Network: The forum where best practices,
resources, and tools on child protection in crises can be shared.
 - Global Education Monitoring Report: Focuses on revealing trends and data on access
and quality in schooling for children who have been displaced.

6. Webinars and Conferences

International Conferences on Refugee Education: A forum which would provide an
opportunity to bring stakeholders on the floor to discuss emerging issues or challenges
and solutions in educating the displaced children.
Webinars by Child Rights Organizations: Conducting periodic webinars focusing on
issues which are currently at the fore-front as regards child protection, education, and
health regarding displaced youth.
7. Policy Frameworks
- Global Compact on Refugees: A UN framework that strongly points out the need for
comprehensive support of refugees, with full provision of education and health care.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality education (SDG 4), good health, and
well-being (SDG 3) developments-all specifically relevant to the needs of displaced
children and youth.

These resources may thus be very useful sources of insight and support in trying to
understand and address the impacts of forced migration on children and young people.
The tools used through this application can enable advocates in enhancing these rights
and needs of displaced young people to help them grow in well-being and development.

6.1. Citations for Reference

https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-migration-and-displacement/displacement/

https://www.migrationdataportal.org/themes/child-and-young-migrants

https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/documents/youth/fact-sheets/youth-migration.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9209349/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10074795/

6.2. Key Terminology and Definitions

Breakdown of key terms:

Forced migration:
The movement of people compelled to leave their homes due to factors beyond their control,
such as war, natural disasters, persecution, or human rights violations.

Displacement:
The act of being forced to leave one's home or usual place of residence, which can be either
internal (within a country) or external (crossing borders).

Refugee:
A person who has fled their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race,
religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group,
seeking asylum in another country.

Internally Displaced Person (IDP):

Someone forced to flee their home within their own country due to conflict, violence, or
natural disasters.
Child soldier:
A child under the age of 18 recruited or used by armed forces or groups to participate in
hostilities.

Unaccompanied minor:
A child who migrates without a parent or legal guardian.

Trafficking:
The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of people through force, fraud,
or deception, often for the purpose of exploitation, which can include child labour or
sexual exploitation.

Statelessness:
The condition of not being considered a citizen of any country, often resulting in limited
access to basic rights and services.