Mombasa, Kenya – To contribute to safeguarding migrant children – in particular during migration flows or times of crisis – IOM, through the EU and German Government-funded Better Migration Management (BMM) programme, held a training session for regional frontline protection actors on child protection mechanisms and case management tools in Mombasa County, Kenya from March 4th to 7th, 2024.

Children constitute a considerable portion of the global migrant and refugee population, with UNICEF reporting that 1 in every 8 migrants worldwide is a child. Tragically, their journeys are often perilous and marked by high rates of abuse, trafficking, and exploitation. According to IOM data, over the last decade, nearly 1,600 children have been reported dead or missing during migration, underlining the urgent need for enhanced protection measures.[1]

The training, building on a previous session conducted in 2021 on child protection and best interest procedures, aimed to strengthen the capacity of frontline protection actors to better address the needs of children on the move. It focused on various aspects, including child protection mechanisms and case management tools, including the utilisation of IOM’s Determinants of Migrants Vulnerability (DoMV) Toolbox.

In her remarks, Ms. Sofia Karim, the BMM Deputy Regional Programme Manager, emphasised the training's objective, which was to equip frontline protection actors with the necessary tools and knowledge to deliver quality protection services to vulnerable migrant children and safeguard their rights.

The training session fostered meaningful interactions amongst professionals from diverse backgrounds and countries, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda. Participants gained valuable insights from IOM specialists in migrant protection and assistance. Ms. Mogaka, Director of the Counter Trafficking in Persons Secretariat in Kenya, highlighted the importance of peer learning, noting, "countries in the region exhibit similar circumstances, thereby fostering the need for the exchange of good practices”.

Mr. Matur, a participant and CSO member from South Sudan reflected on the training, stating, "Through the three-day discussions, experience sharing, and knowledge exchange, my awareness of various risks and concerns faced by migrant children has significantly increased." He highlighted the transformative nature of the training, noting, "This experience has deepened my understanding, enhanced my skills, and motivated me to impact the lives of children positively."

Following the training, participants acquired valuable insights and skills to enhance their case management and service delivery approaches. Sessions dedicated to understanding legal frameworks, effective communication with children, and the use of community-based protection mechanisms equipped attendees to better address the specific needs of migrant children.

Ms. Sofia Karim affirmed IOM's dedication to promoting and upholding children's rights as outlined in the UNCRC and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adding, "This training marks a significant stride in ensuring that migrant children receive the vital protection and support they require."

Moving forward, IOM will continue to strengthen child protection mechanisms and enhance the capacity of frontline actors across the region. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, IOM aims to create a safer and more secure environment for children on the move.

The BMM Programme is financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Its objective is to improve the safe, orderly, and regular management of migration within and from the Horn of Africa region by applying a human rights-based approach. The programme is implemented by British Council, CIVIPOL, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, IOM, and UNODC in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda.

For further information and enquiries, please contact:

Sofia Karim, Deputy Regional Programme Manager, IOM Regional Office for East and Horn of Africa, Email: sokarim@iom.int