Children Affected by Migration

“Children affected by migration” is a broad umbrella term that encompasses children (those aged under 18 years) who move or have moved within their country of origin or across the border into another State, temporarily or permanently. This includes children who migrate voluntarily or involuntarily (as a result of forced displacement due to a natural disaster or conflict); or for economic, social, educational or cultural reasons. It includes children who move individually or to accompany parents who have migrated. It also includes children who remain behind while one or both of their parents migrate (‘children remaining behind’).

Most left-behind children are cared for by family members, but in a minority of cases, may be placed in residential care homes or left to fend for themselves. The lack of the physical presence of one or both parents result in unique risks and vulnerabilities that can impact their development and well-being. They may experience emotional neglect and social isolation and the lack of support can also increase their vulnerabilities to mental health issues, as well as exploitation and abuse.

There is no recent reliable data on the number of children left behind in the Philippines. Experts estimate the number to be between two and nine million children. The lack of reliable data renders them an invisible population that further increases their vulnerabilities resulting in inadequate policy response and limited access to support services.

Distance Parenting: Bridging oceans between Filipino migrant workers and the children left behind seeks to provide holistic interventions tailored to the specific needs of children left behind by the migration of Filipino workers, their OFW parents, and the children’s caregivers.

The project is being implemented in partnership with Migrante Philippines and the Mission for Migrant Workers through the support of Unifor Social Justice Fund.