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18.12.2013 Feature Article

International Migrants Day 2013: Protecting The Migrant Child

International Migrants Day 2013: Protecting The Migrant Child
18.12.2013 LISTEN

On 4 December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly, proclaimed 18 December as International Migrants Day. All Member States and concerned bodies are to observe the day through the dissemination of information on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants. “Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. It is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family,” (Ban Ki-Moon 2013).

It was reported in 2011 that 116 children between the ages of 4 and 17 were rescued from communities along Lake Volta. They were trafficked from the country's Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Volta regions (Awuni 2011). Ghana, unfortunately, is recognized as a source, transit, and destination for trafficked women and children for sexual exploitation, and domestic and commercial labor (Quartey, 2009:65). However research has shown that, only a small percentage of children who migrate are trafficked as the vast majority migrate 'voluntarily' and often independently of their birth parents (Kwankye et al., 2009: 31).

The north-south migration of children has become widespread. Almost every household in Ghana's northern regions has a direct link with child migration to the south. This migration is a relatively recent phenomenon (Kwankye et al., 2007:24). A culture of child migration to the south is developing as these movements become a 'rite of passage' for Ghanaians in the north (Kwankye et al., 2007:25).

The main cause of migration in Ghana is the obvious imbalances in development levels between children's places of origin and their places of destination. There is stark difference in the levels of poverty between the relatively poor north and the rich south. Over the years, thousands of workers migrated south to work in the mining, cocoa and timber sectors. The dichotomy resulted in the north becoming a labor reserve for the south (Kwankye et al, 2007:5-6).

Children involved in migration encounter certain risks. Researchers have identified three areas of risk that children face. Firstly, work-related risks arise from the manner of the work. This may often constitute a major source of physical and psychological threat for children. Secondly, shelter-related risks manifest in the struggle to find decent places of abode. Sometimes children are exposed to sexual violence and crime. The infamous 'kayayo/kayaye' phenomenon is a glaring example. Thirdly, reproductive health-related risks put sexually active migrant children in danger of sexually transmitted diseases and violence. It is estimated that there are approximately 33,000 street children in Ghana, the majority of whom are girls. These girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and sexual exploitation. Commercial sexual exploitation of children is reported to be a significant concern, but there is limited data on the issue.

On 29 June 1990, Ghana became the first country in the world to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Ghana has also ratified most major international instruments relating to child protection, with the exception of the Optional Protocols to the CRC (signed but not yet ratified), the UN Trafficking Protocol and the Hague Convention on International Adoption. Many internal laws have been enacted to protect children. These include the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560); National Gender and Children's Policy; Child Rights Regulation 2002 (LI1705); National Plan of Action for Orphans and Vulnerable Children 2010-2012 among others.

Over the years, efforts have been made to curb the risks faced by child migrants. However, given our slow progress, more radical approaches must be canvassed, discussed and implemented. The child protection laws have not been adequately utilized as measures to protect migrant children. As at 2011, there was no over-arching strategy or policy on justice for children according to the UNICEF.

The institutions involved in ensuring the safety of children need to up their efforts. The Ministry of Gender and Social Protection and other organizations should develop pragmatic measures to curb the risks that child migrants encounter. In the long term, governments must close the north-south development imbalance. The Sahara Accelerated Development Agency's (SADA) work must be supported by all. Solving this economic imbalance is the only sure way of reducing the phenomenon of child migration and its consequences.

The time for action is now.

Gabriel Edzordzi Agbozo is the Director of

International Affairs of the Beyonders Foundation

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