27 February 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – – Mrs. Huria Ali, Minister of State for Women and Social Affairs, urged international collaboration to address the rising dangers of cross-border illegal child migration.
Speaking at a workshop on preventing illegal migration, Mrs. Ali emphasized the urgency of joint efforts before the issue escalates. The workshop brought together representatives from various international organizations to explore solutions.
Highlighting the vulnerabilities of migrant children, Mrs. Ali stated their exposure to re-migration, labor exploitation, and physical and sexual violence.
Ethiopia, she explained, is actively drafting a national policy on children and migration to tackle this complex issue.
Mrs. Abibato Wane, head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ethiopia, pledged her organization’s support in reintegrating migrant children with their families and communities while safeguarding their safety and human rights.
The workshop also aimed to establish a platform for incorporating child migration concerns into national child protection and immigration policies.
Representatives from the International Children’s Aid Organization, UNICEF, IOM, South Africa, Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen participated in the forum, according to the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.
