Children Share Insights About Children Affected by Migration

By Jomarie Bas | Program Officer

QUEZON CITY — Child leaders from World Vision communities in Quezon City recently gained a deeper understanding of how migration affects children and their fellow youth during a migration forum. 

“I learned that migration is complex and can be a risk or an opportunity. Affected children faced many challenges about education, their living conditions, and, especially, their safety before leaving, while traveling, upon arrival at a new place, until reuniting or returning,” Hanz, 13, shared.

Organized by Migrant Forum Asia (MFA) and the Migrant Youth Collective Platform (MYCP), the event brought together civil society organizations, youth networks, migrant groups, and advocates committed to advancing migrant‑centered and rights‑based policy recommendations.

Labor migration continues to shape the futures of families and communities worldwide. Yet children and youth remain at high risk of forced labor, trafficking, unethical recruitment, online exploitation, and unsafe migration pathways, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen protection systems for the most vulnerable.

During the breakout sessions, the child leaders shared their insights on technology and migration, fair employment, safe labor mobility, migrants’ rights, and the role of community development in safeguarding people on the move.

“We proposed that the education of affected children be more flexible and provide them with financial assistance, especially if their parents left them or are working overseas,” Crizalea, 16, said.

Child participants also pushed for the inclusion of labor laws and migration topics in the education curriculum to ensure that students are aware of their rights and well‑informed before entering the workforce.

Crizalea continues, “I am advocating children’s participation in talks about migration to be inclusive so that they can share their insights that can improve their situation and prevent possible migration.”

Hanz suggested having a child-friendly platform for affected children. “I can advocate for children’s participation in creating a safe, age-appropriate, and child-friendly platform that will support children to express themselves, create a culture of respect, and promote their rights.”

Adult participants from different organizations and government agencies commended the child leaders for advocating innovative yet practical solutions.

The event, called Pathways Forward: Recentering Workers’ Rights in Labour Mobility Systems, is a South Asia and Pacific Regional consultation forum in preparation for the 2026 United Nations International Migration Review Forum (IMRF). (LRC | APRIL 2026)