MICIC - Impact of crises on migrant children

In times of crisis, migrants living, working, studying, traveling, or transiting in the country experiencing the crisis may require assistance. Although migrants are resilient and resourceful, they often face specific vulnerabilities that can hinder their ability to ensure their own safety and wellbeing

The Migrants in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) Initiative, a government-led effort co-chaired by the Governments of the United States and the Philippines and supported by a Secretariat hosted by IOM and an EU-funded project, implemented by ICMPD, was conceived to address migrants' specific conditions of vulnerability and increase the ability of States, international organisations, private sector actors and civil society to prepare for and respond to the needs of migrants in countries affected by conflicts or natural disasters, including by protecting their rights and dignity and by alleviating suffering they might experience.

The MICIC Initiative Guidelines to Protect Migrants in Countries Experiencing Conflict or Natural Disaster are voluntary, non-binding, targeted suggestions to promote better protection of migrants in countries experiencing crises. Different stakeholders can use the MICIC Guidelines to inform and shape crisis preparedness, emergency response, and post-crisis action. The MICIC Initiative does not aim to replace or supersede existing legal frameworks that address the protection of refugees and stateless persons. Rather, the MICIC Initiative complements those existing protection frameworks.

For Migrant Children

Whether separated or accompanied, children constitute a particularly vulnerable group among migrants. Their situation is further compounded in times of crisis.

The following tools provide guidance to officials interacting with migrant children.

• Checklists for the protection of migrant children in crisis situations 
• Tips for communication with migrant children in crisis situations 
• Infographic on fundamental rights of migrant children