Migrant children participation during emergencies: A Scoping review of global challenges and opportunities

Abstract

IntroductionChildren who are internally displaced or migrants face severe difficulties during emergencies, including exposure to violence, exploitation, disrupted education, and mental health issues. The principle of child participation, enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN, 1992), recognises children as rights holders with the ability to actively engage in decision-making processes. However, the literature on child participation in emergency response and recovery efforts for these vulnerable populations remains limited.ObjectiveThe aim of this scoping review is to map the existing literature regarding child participation in emergencies. Consecutively, we want to identify opportunities and challenges related to child participation in emergency response and recovery interventions for migrant or internally displaced children (IDP).MethodologyA systematic search was performed through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar by including key terms related to child participation, emergencies, IDPs, and migrants. The inclusion criteria focused on papers that analyse and conclude on the opportunities and challenges within three core domains: health promotion, education integration, and social integration. Qualitative and quantitative studies published between 2003 and 2023 were included. No geographical limitations were applied to ensure a global perspective. Lastly, data extraction was carried out using the evidence synthesis software RAYYAN under the PRISMA flowchart to provide a methodical collection and presentation.ResultsThe scoping review identified a total of 20 articles, showcasing both challenges and opportunities related to child participation in emergencies. Across the articles, health promotion was addressed in 3 articles, education integration in 14 articles, and social integration in 16 articles. The challenges encompassed issues such as limited access to healthcare, education, and social services, as well as discrimination and a lack of documentation. Opportunities included the provision of youth-centred healthcare, strengths-based approaches, intersectoral collaboration, and the empowerment of children to actively participate in decision-making processes. Challenges and opportunities were context-dependent but collectively emphasised the importance of considering the multifaceted aspects of child participation in emergency settings.ConclusionThis scoping review provides insights into the landscape of child participation in emergencies, particularly focusing on health promotion, education integration, and social integration. The challenges identified underscore the barriers faced by migrant and internally displaced children in accessing essential services and their struggle for social inclusion. In contrast, the opportunities discussed shed light on promising approaches to overcome these challenges, highlighting the significance of youth-centred services, resilience-building, and intersectoral collaboration.The findings not only contribute to the existing literature but also emphasise the importance of recognising children as active agents of change in emergency situations, aligning with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Future research and policy initiatives should aim to further enhance child participation and integration in emergency response and recovery efforts.