Many families with minors decide to undertake global migrations. This process is complex and intensifies when it is carried out irregularly, considerably increasing the risks. The dangers are varied: risky journeys that compromise their well-being and safety, the possibility of deportation or family separation, and vulnerability to organized crime, including human trafficking, exploitation and child labor.

Children could face hunger, extreme weather conditions, illness and dehydration. The lack of adequate housing and limited access to medical and educational services are constant, as are discrimination and violence in their most diverse forms. These risks are magnified when minors migrate unaccompanied.

Below, we provide essential tips to safeguard minors during the immigration process.

Tips to prevent family separation or the loss of minors

• Instruct children on their basic personal information: full names, nationality, and details of their guardians, along with an emergency contact number and destination address.
• Write down this information on a piece of paper that the minor can carry with them to use if necessary.
• Includes contacts of at least three trusted people, located in different locations, who can help in emergency situations.
• Also add relevant emergency numbers for the countries you will cross on your trip.
• Hide this note in a safe place in their clothing, and make sure the child knows how to use it only if necessary.
• Identify and agree upon meeting points at each new location, and establish an alternative point for safety.
• Make an effort to always keep minors close and never leave them alone.

Protection of personal documents and minors

• Always carry personal and minor documents, avoiding storing them in easily lost places such as backpacks or suitcases.
• Keep documents in plastic wrap to protect them from damage, and keep digital copies accessible by email.
• Never give personal documents to individuals who are not official authorities.

Actions in case of loss of minors

• Immediately contact the contact persons that the minors have with them.
• If you do not locate them after a reasonable time, notify the local authorities or the police.
• Go to the agreed meeting point or stay at the last known location to increase the chance of a reunion.

If you find a lost minor

• Do not move the child from the place or manipulate her belongings.
• Stay calm, try to reassure the minor and find out if she knows any contact information for her family.
• Stay in the place to wait for the possible return of their relatives or identify a meeting point known to the minor.
• If you cannot locate family members, contact the police or local authorities for assistance.

Prevention against human trafficking and exploitation

• Be wary of strangers who offer help in exchange for something, and keep minors away from them.
• Avoid exchanging documentation for favors, as this may expose minors to greater risks of exploitation or abuse.

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