A/HRC/36/51
77.
In Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, regional treaties do not include
specific obligations for countries of transit or destination with respect to guarantees for
children in migration processes, such as the prohibition of detention, due process and the
principle of the best interests of the child. 72 Regional bodies such as the Central American
Integration System and the Central American Commission of Migration Directors 73 have
been crucial to the dialogue and the implementation of regional decisions on an approach to
migration. However, although regional agreements on free movement across borders (the
Central America-4 single Central American visa) have favoured mobility within the region,
efforts are needed for the effective protection of rights and the realization in society of
Central American migrant policies and actions.
78.
In 2014, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights issued advisory opinion OC21/14 on rights and guarantees of children in the context of migration and/or in need of
international protection, in response to a request made in 2011 by the member States of the
Southern Common Market at the time, namely Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
This was the first time that a group of States had appeared before the inter-American
system of human rights with a common position on an issue of concern for the protection of
human rights in the region. The advisory opinion is a regional achievement that provides
innovative guidelines for defining and expanding the scope of the rights and interests of
migrant children.
79.
In Europe, there is some institutional collaboration for the purpose of protecting
unaccompanied child asylum seekers. The Dublin III regulation on family reunification of
the European Union establishes collaboration on a case-by-case basis.
80.
In Southern Africa, efforts have been stepped up with the implementation of joint
projects cutting across three Southern African countries. For example, the Destination
Unknown campaign, which is being implemented in Mozambique, South Africa and
Zimbabwe, is funded by Terres des Hommes Germany. However, regional efforts and
coordination need to develop significantly in order to protect unaccompanied migrant
children.74
VII. Role of civil society
81.
Many countries with serious migration issues have strengthened the relationship
between government and civil society. In this regard, States recognize the work that civil
society organizations carry out in order to serve, assist and guide migrant children in the
fulfilment of their primary or basic needs, as well as the promotion of their human rights.
On the other hand, some reports, such as the one presented by Caritas Myanmar, still
perceive a lack of collaboration between government organizations, international and
national NGOs and United Nations organizations.
82.
Civil society plays a prominent role in uncovering the problem of insecurity,
providing services and organizing institutional networks with relevant experience, as well
as serving as a watchdog to ensure that States guarantee all the fundamental rights of
unaccompanied migrant children.
83.
Civil society intervenes in the prevention of, and response to, child abuse, neglect,
violence and exploitation; it ensures that children have legal documentation and that their
specific needs for durable solutions are met in their best interests. Many organizations
provide education and medical assistance, psychosocial support, food, shelter and water and
sanitation services. Some NGOs have even brought legal action in the case of severe
violations by government agencies.
84.
International NGOs and global networks such as Casa Alianza and End Child
Prostitution in Asian Tourism promote training programmes for staff and experts from the
72
73
74
14
Source: Fray Matías de Córdova Human Rights Centre.
The Commission is an initiative of the Regional Conference on Migration.
Source: Terre des Hommes Zimbabwe.
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents