It is a global catastrophe of astounding proportions that millions of children are on the run today, forcibly displaced from their homes. As conflict and climate change increasingly become the most pressing challenges facing the world now, the number of displaced children has doubled in the last decade alone, reaching a record high of 43.3 million in 2019.
The plight of these children is heartbreaking. They are forced to flee their homes due to violence, persecution, natural disasters, and climate change. They are often separated from their families, and are at risk of exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. They often lack access to basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
The international community must take urgent action to address this crisis. Governments must prioritize the protection of children on the move, and ensure that they are provided with the necessary support and assistance. This includes providing safe and legal pathways for them to access protection and services, as well as ensuring that their rights are respected and protected.
In addition, governments must ensure that all children are registered at birth, and that they have access to education and healthcare. This will help to ensure that they are not left behind and that their needs are met.
It is also important to ensure that these children are not criminalized or stigmatized due to their displacement. This includes providing them with legal protection and access to justice, as well as ensuring that they are not discriminated against due to their status.
Finally, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to address the root causes of displacement. This includes addressing the underlying causes of conflict and climate change, as well as ensuring that all people have access to basic services and rights.
The international community must come together to ensure that all children are protected, and that their rights and needs are met. We must take urgent action to ensure that all children are safe, secure, and have access to the opportunities that they deserve. Only then will we be able to ensure that no child is left behind.
