Paper details
| Paper authors | Authors: Magdalena Arias Cubas, Sanjana Bhardwaj, Simon Robins, Jill Stockwell, Nicole Hoagland, Damian Otieno, Sanushka Mudaliar |
| In panel on | Reuniting Families, Upholding Rights: RFL between Policy, Practice, and Protection |
| Paper presenter(s) will be presenting |
In-Person / |
Abstract
In 2024, the Red Cross Red Crescent Global Migration Lab and the ICRC Central Tracing Agency’s Red Cross Red Crescent Missing Persons Centre conducted research on how and why migrant women and children become separated, go missing, or die during their migration journeys. The study was conducted in the Americas, Africa and Europe, in partnership with 17 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Over 800 migrant women and children, relatives of missing migrants and key informants were interviewed. This presentation will focus on key insights learnt from migrant women and children who have experienced or been at risk of separation during their journeys, including due to the direct and indirect actions of authorities (including border officials) and non-state actors (such as smugglers, armed groups and criminal gangs). Using the data collected, this presentation will highlight how age and gender affect separation across countries of origin, transit and destination. It will explore key factors increasing risks of separation - from being targeted for human trafficking to lack of access to essential services to sexual and gender-based violence and entrenched gender norms - and will consider how the institutional context and existing migration laws and policies contribute to separation. The presentation will offer recommendations to mitigate the risks of separation based on the lived experiences of migrant women and children and the families of missing migrants.
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