On 8-9 December, the UNHCR High Commissioner will hold a Dialogue on Protection Challenges. The dialogue, which will be held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, will focus on the theme of ‘Children on the Move’. The theme recognizes the growing plight of young people who are fleeing violence and war, and struggling to reach safety.
In recent times, the number of unaccompanied and separated children seeking refuge has been growing dramatically. In 2015 alone, over 90000 asylum claims for children were lodged. Against this worrying backdrop, the Dialogue brings together refugee youth representatives, states, IGOs, and CSOs to consider the risks that children face during forced migration and movement.
The Dialogue will include plenary and thematic sessions, as well as several situational roundtables. An integral part of the meeting will be the participation of youth delegates selected based on their experience as refugees. The Dialogue will seek to discuss protection initiatives and responses. It will also seek renewed commitment from the international society to principles governing the protection of children fleeing violence, conflict and persecution.
More details on the Dialogue can be found here.