Climate change significantly affects people, particularly children. The intersection of climate change with vital aspects like environmental, social, political, economic and demographic conditions that influence people’s migration decisions is becoming increasingly complex and severe. With climate change intensifying, it is estimated that millions of children could be forced to migrate in the years to come.
In 2020, nearly 10 million children were displaced due to weather-related shocks, highlighting the stark reality of climate change. Furthermore, about half of the globe’s 2.2 billion children, or around one billion boys and girls, reside in the 33 countries most susceptible to climate change impacts.
Extreme climates like rising sea levels, hurricanes, wildfires, and failing crops are pushing an increasing number of children and families away from their homes. Displaced children are confronted with high levels of xenophobia worldwide, socioeconomic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, and limited access to essential services, thus increasing their vulnerability.
How Are UN Guidelines Protecting Displaced Children?
Recently, United Nations-backed agencies issued guidelines to establish the first-ever global policy framework aimed at protecting children displaced due to climate change. This initiative is a joint effort between the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Georgetown University, and the United Nations University.
These guidelines cover both internal and cross-border migrations and consist of nine principles addressing displaced children’s unique vulnerabilities. These principles rest on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and include focus areas such as Rights-based approach, Best interests of the child, Awareness and participation in decision-making, Family unity, Protection, safety, and security, Access to education, health care, and social services, and Non-discrimination Nationality.
Exploring the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child back in 1989. It recognizes every individual under 18 years old as a child and outlines civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights for every child, irrespective of their race, religion or abilities. This treaty is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world.
Why Were These Guidelines Necessary?
There is currently no global policy framework that addresses the needs and rights of children moving due to climate change. Existing child-related migration policies do not consider climate and environmental factors, and climate change policies often overlook children’s needs. The dire implications of the climate emergency on human mobility, especially among children, prompted the creation of these guidelines.
An Overview of Climate Change Assessments for Children
Two critical assessments in this context are the Children’s Climate Risk Index and the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN) Index. The former ranks countries based on children’s exposure to climate and environmental shocks, making it the first comprehensive analysis of climate risk from a child’s perspective. On the other hand, ND-GAIN index emphasizes that children bear the brunt of climate change as it affects their fundamental rights.
The Way Forward
While the new guidelines don’t bring new legal obligations, they reaffirm key principles previously established in international law and adopted by various governments. Governments worldwide need to review their policies in light of these guiding principles to ensure adequate protection for children displaced by climate change, both now and in the future.
Informed and coordinated action between governments, civil society, and international organizations, guided by these principles, will undoubtedly enhance efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of displaced children.