Some 50 million children forced onto the migration trail – UNICEF

The devastating effects of migration are not only affecting adults, children have fallen victims to the factors that are pushing many people out of their countries to seek safety in other countries.

A new report by UNICEF says nearly 50 million children across the globe have been uprooted and driven from their homes, some 28 million of them driven out by conflicts. These traumatised children while fleeing, face further dangers as they go in search of a better safer life.

These children, the report points out face the risk of drowning at sea, malnourishment and dehydration – they also face the danger of being kidnapped, raped and even killed.

The report titled, Uprooted: The growing crisis for refugee and migrant children, presents new data that throws light of the lives and situations of millions of children and families affected by violent conflict and other crises that make it seem safer to risk everything on a perilous journey than remain at home.

Across the globe, nearly 50 million children have been uprooted – 28 million of them driven from their homes by conflicts not of their making, and millions more migrating in the hope of finding a better, safer life. Often traumatized by the conflicts and violence they are fleeing, they face further dangers along the way, including the risk of drowning on sea crossings, malnourishment and dehydration, trafficking, kidnapping, rape and even murder. In countries they travel through and at their destinations, they often face xenophobia and discrimination.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi