The international community once held a strong consensus that children are inherently entitled to protection, with the belief that their needs and rights should be prioritized above all else. No matter their country of origin, their religion, their identity, their legal or migratory status—they are children, first and foremost. This principle was enshrined in various global agreements, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which recognized that children, due to their unique and intersecting vulnerabilities, require special care and safeguards. However, over time, this shared commitment has eroded.

There has been a disturbing shift away from this foundation, as geopolitical interests, economic pressures, and changing social ideologies have led to a de-prioritization of children’s rights. This abandonment of a unified focus on children’s welfare highlights a growing disconnect between the ideal of child protection and the harsh realities children face globally. This is especially true for children in migration and displacement contexts.

Children affected by migration and displacement are not a homogenous group. They face a range of critical challenges that jeopardize their safety, well-being, and development. Fleeing their homes due to conflict, persecution, political unrest, or natural disasters, these children often endure trauma, separation from family, and dreadful living conditions in displacement camps or unfamiliar environments. Their access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities is frequently limited, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and neglect. The emotional and psychological toll of displacement further compounds their struggles, making it crucial to provide them with specialized protection and support. Safeguarding these children is not only a moral obligation but an essential step towards securing their future and upholding their fundamental rights.

This policy brief provides an overview of select child displacement crises—far from an exhaustive list—and notes certain protection gaps impacting displaced and migrating children today.

Click here to read the full brief.

USCRI, founded in 1911, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization committed to working on behalf of refugees and immigrants and their transition to a dignified life.

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