On October 21, 2024, Counsellor Mr. James Buckley addressed the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee on the topic of “the Human Rights of Migrants.”
Opening the session, Mr. Gehad Madi, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, presented his report, underscoring that of the 281 million international migrants, 35.5 million are children. He stressed the importance of prioritising children’s rights in discussions on human rights and migration. Mr. Madi highlighted that the human rights violations faced by migrant children extend beyond those in detention, as migratory processes that fail to protect their rights put children’s lives, development, and well-being at significant risk.
The Special Rapporteur noted that limited migration pathways for children and families, coupled with inadequate family reunification options, force many children into dangerous migration routes, where they are vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse, especially if undocumented, unaccompanied, or separated from family. He emphasised two critical areas needing urgent action: the protection of family unity, which includes expanding access to family reunification, and the prevention of statelessness. He also drew attention to children losing key protections once they turn 18, which can lead to loss of accommodation, support, access to services, residence permits, and even risk detention and deportation.
Mr. Madi underscored several priority areas for protecting migrant children’s rights, including expanding legal pathways for entry and residence, investing in inclusive child and social protection systems, promoting family-based care, enhancing guardianship and family reunification processes, and ensuring all migrant children have access to essential services. He advocated for protocols on consular assistance for migrant children and highlighted the importance of incorporating children’s voices into migration processes. These actions, he stressed, are essential to effectively address the human rights challenges facing migrant children.
In his statement, Counsellor Buckley addressed the challenges faced by migrant populations, especially migrant children, who endure hardships such as displacement, family separation, violence, and exploitation. Highlighting the shared responsibility to uphold human rights, he emphasised that migrant children deserve protection, dignity, and supportive environments that nurture their development.
Recognising migrant children’s heightened vulnerability to human trafficking, Counsellor Buckley advocated for a comprehensive approach prioritising mental well-being, education, and physical safety. He described access to education as crucial, and drew attention to the Sovereign Order of Malta’s work in Germany providing language tutoring and integration to migrants, aiming to support and foster a sense of belonging and bridge gaps in new communities.
Counsellor Buckley stressed the importance of combating stigma and discrimination to allow migrant children to realise their potential, noting that this commitment will positively impact future generations. In closing, he called for reaffirming support for the human rights of all migrants, particularly vulnerable children, to build a future where every child can thrive regardless of their background.
