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Insights and recommendations from the "The need to belong: pathways towards durable solutions" Conference

Between Wednesday, September 25, and Friday, September 27, we held the conference “The need to belong: pathways towards durable solutions”, focusing on the integration and documentation processes for young migrants and Children on the Move. The event highlighted the challenges related to social and school integration, as well as the acquisition of South African citizenship for unaccompanied minors.

We at SIHMA would like to thank all the participants and speakers who took the stage during the event. Among our distinguished guests were Christina Nomdo, Western Cape Commissioner for Children, Tashana Ntuli, Child Protection Officer at UNICEF South Africa, Sindi Moyo and Dion Moyo from the Scalabrini Center of Cape Town, Dr. Glynis Clacherty, Researcher and co-Author of the “Pathways of well-being and (un)belonging” report, and Fr. Filippo Ferraro, SCCT Chairperson and Director of SIHMA.

A special thank you goes to the many Children on the Move who bravely shared their stories with us, opening up about their personal experiences, emotions, and challenges they faced along the difficult journey of family reunification, citizenship acquisition, or integration into South African society. During the conference, we also presented our latest report, "Pathways of well-being and (un)belonging. Understanding the experience of migrant youth in alternative care and recently out of care in Cape Town." The report will soon be published online on the SIHMA website.

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are the most important recommendations aimed at fostering better outcomes for Children on the Move that emerged during last week’s conference:

Research on Mental Health: There is a pressing need for further research focused on the mental health conditions of Children on the Move, particularly regarding the emotional impact of migration and the processes of integration - or the lack thereof - within South African society. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing effective support systems.
Evaluation of Best Practices: Additional research and documentation are necessary to identify and evaluate existing best practices in South Africa that aim to foster a sense of belonging for Children on the Move. It is recommended that this effort involves a comprehensive approach that includes a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered in developing effective strategies.
Review of the Children’s Act: Certain provisions of the Children’s Act are perceived as overly general. To address this, it is crucial to initiate a dialogue between policymakers and relevant stakeholder platforms. This discussion should focus on reviewing the programs and standards outlined in the legislative framework that pertains to the documentation and integration of Children on the Move.

Methods of Integration: In assessing the Children’s Act and its pathways to integration, it is vital to examine the various methods employed throughout South Africa to facilitate the integration of migrant children into society. Special attention should be given to innovative and creative approaches that not only foster relationships among young people but also enhance the mental health of these vulnerable children.
Alternative Care Research: Another potential area for research involves exploring the feasibility of alternative care placements for Children on the Move in their countries of origin, rather than in South Africa. Given that a primary challenge social workers encounter in reuniting these minors with their families is parental dishonesty, it is imperative to build on existing knowledge about these children, particularly regarding their origins. When feasible, prioritizing alternative care placements within the child’s country of origin should be considered.
Advocacy for Citizenship Pathways: Increased advocacy efforts are needed to educate individuals about the correct pathways to citizenship, particularly concerning the specific requirements associated with each pathway. It is essential to clarify that being born in South Africa does not automatically confer citizenship. Advocacy should also aim to elucidate the legal processes that migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied minors must navigate, including the necessary timeframes and documentation for accessing citizenship.

Recognition of Children’s Rights: Advocacy is important for promoting the recognition of children as individuals with rights, rather than dependents on their parents' documentation. This includes developing provisions for situations where unaccompanied minors, those in alternative care, or children with abusive or neglectful parents can obtain their own documentation, with the assistance of a caregiver or social worker.
Addressing Legal Inconsistencies: Overall, South Africa’s laws and regulations concerning Children on the Move reveal numerous inconsistencies and gaps. It is critical for the Department of Home Affairs and the government to address these issues with a focus on prioritizing the best interests of the child.
Uniform Documentation Requirements: There is an urgent need to advocate for uniformity in the documentation requirements for Children on the Move seeking South African citizenship. Currently, different Home Affairs offices demand varying documentation to complete the citizenship process, with some offices even preventing individuals from initiating the process. This inconsistency, along with the lengthy processing times for applications submitted to the Department of Home Affairs, must be addressed to streamline the pathway to citizenship.

In conclusion, addressing these key areas through rigorous research and targeted advocacy will significantly enhance the integration and well-being of Children on the Move in South Africa, ensuring that their rights and needs are adequately met.

Insights and recommendations from the "The need to belong: pathways towards durable solutions" Conference

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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Insights and recommendations from the "The need to belong: pathways towards durable solutions" Conference

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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