A refugee is a person who has left their country and crossed international borders into another country to escape from war, violence, conflict or persecution. An asylum seeker is a person who hasn't yet been legally recognised as a refugee. Unfortunately, for these individuals who have already endured so much, basic asylum seekers' human rights and refugee rights are often not upheld. Below is information on the unique challenges faced by child refugees, who are particularly vulnerable, their rights and what we’re doing to help women & children with refugee backgrounds.
Save the Children, for over a century, has been a steadfast advocate for children’s rights. We hold the conviction that every child, irrespective of their background, deserves a promising future and the chance not only to survive but to flourish. We spare no effort in ensuring children have a healthy start in life, access to education, and protection from harm. Here is more about the rights of child refugees and the work we are doing to support them:
Child refugee rights and Asylum seekers human rights
With Australia's treatment of asylum seekers continually being under the spotlight you may get asked by your child what precisely an asylum seeker or refugee is. To help explain, we have created a helpful video that provides information on refugees in a child-friendly way to help them gain an understanding of what refugees are and the challenges they face.
Child refugees have often had stressful or traumatic experiences that no child should have to go through, and then on top of that, they have to endure poor conditions in refugee camps as well as being at a higher risk of violence, neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Safe places to play and learn are important for any child but can make a significant difference for refugee children. Refugee children also often have limited access or no access at all to education, don’t have access to basic healthcare, don’t have safe & welcoming places to play and are sometimes separated from their families making them even more vulnerable.
Our efforts to support child refugees and their families
Article 22 of the UN CRC (the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) addresses child refugee rights and states that “Governments must provide protection and support, and must help children who are separated from their parents to be reunited with their family.”
Child refugees should also have the same rights as Australian children. With Australia's treatment of asylum seekers often not upholding these rights we believe it is important to do what we can to support child refugees and their families.
We provide an integrated program named 'It Takes A Village' for children and women from migrant and refugee backgrounds specifically designed to create a sense of community for them as they adapt to life in Australia. The program takes an integrative approach and includes playgroups, life skills classes, family support and casework to help refugee families settle successfully into the community.
Benefits of the program include:
- Improved mental health & well-being and the settlement experience for child refugees and their families
- Preparing refugee children for the Australian school system so they have a smoother transition into school in a new country with more confidence
- Expanding parenting skills to support refugee parents in creating a positive environment for their families
- The opportunity to develop social networks with families who share similar life experiences
- Providing a welcoming and culturally safe place for children to learn and develop
Help support child refugees and their families
To support our efforts to ensure child refugee rights and asylum seekers' human rights are upheld, you can make a single donation today or become a monthly giver. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.