Collaborative on Global Children's Issues

Hundreds of thousands of children are leaving their homes, either with family members or on their own, experiencing internal displacement and attempting to cross borders throughout the Americas. Those who embark on a migration journey do so for a variety of reasons. Some are fleeing violence and crime; others have been facing climate-induced disasters, food insecurity, and extreme poverty. Drivers may differ depending on area of origin, gender, and ethnicity. An overarching commonality, however, is age. Across the Americas, being young is the strongest predictor of an intention to migrate.

As various stakeholders seek to address root causes and stem the tide of “irregular” migration, it is important to consider what the decision to leave home means for children and youth. 

For this topic, the Collaborative on Global Children's Issues asks: To what extent do the approaches of national and international governments and partners prioritize the perceptions and needs of young people who are inclined to migrate? What efforts are underway to help children and families feel rooted and safe in their communities of origin, before the migration journey begins? What can we learn from these efforts and their impact?

This is the first of three series published as part of Innovating Protection for Children on the Move Across the Americas, a forum convened by Georgetown University’s Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues, Institute for the Study of International Migration, and the Georgetown Americas Institute in coordination with strategic partners.