Background Guide

Definitions
Refugee: According to UNHCR, refugees are people who have fled war, conflict, and
persecution, and have crossed international borders to seek safety and refuge.
SDGs: Known as the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that the United Nations have
set to be achieved by 2030 which entails resolving world issues, like world peace and
hunger.
Statelessness: The condition where individuals are nor recognized as a national
anywhere.
Refugee camp: Temporary housing for refugees seeking safety from war that are built
by NGOs or UN.
Humanitarian aid: Assistance provided to refugees to meet their basic needs, like
education, healthcare, shelter, and nutrition.
Host Country: The country that has accepted refugees to flee into the borders for
shelter from war.
UNHCR: (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), a UN agency
established in 1950 that works to provide services to refugees to support their needs.
1951 Refugee Convention: The convention where the term refugee was defined, and
the protocol to protect their human rights was set, which entailed laws, policies, and
regulations for host countries to follow.
Introduction to the Topic
Millions of children around the world face a harsh reality – forced displacement from
their homes due to conflict, persecution, and violence. According to the UN Refugee
Agency (UNHCR), as of 2023, there are over 36 million children forcibly displaced
globally. This uprooted existence presents a unique set of challenges far beyond those
experienced by most children. The very act of fleeing their homes exposes them to
unimaginable trauma, witnessing violence and experiencing the heartbreak of
separation from loved ones. These early experiences can leave lasting scars on their
mental and emotional well-being, making them more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse,
and even child soldiery. The disruption to their lives extends far beyond the immediate
crisis. Access to education is often severely limited for refugee children. Schools in
host countries may be overcrowded, lack resources, or have language barriers that
make it difficult for refugee children to integrate. This disruption in education can have
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a crippling effect on their future prospects, hindering their ability to develop the skills
and knowledge needed to build a secure and fulfilling life. The challenges faced by
refugee children go beyond physical and educational needs. Social integration can be
a significant hurdle. Refugee children often arrive in new countries with different
cultures, languages, and customs. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and
discrimination. Building friendships and feeling a sense of belonging is crucial for a
child's development, and the lack of social integration can exacerbate the emotional
and psychological burdens they already carry.
History and development
Post-WWII and the Refugee Definition (Mid-20th Century)
The 1951 Refugee Convention marked a turning point in international refugee law.
Prior to the Convention, the concept of a "refugee" was ambiguous. The 1951
Convention established a clear legal definition of a refugee – someone who has fled
their home due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion,
nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
This definition, by extension, applied to refugee children as well, ensuring they were
recognized and eligible for international protection. The Convention outlined the
responsibilities of countries hosting refugees. These included providing basic rights
like access to food, shelter, and safety.
A crucial aspect of the Convention is the principle of non-discrimination. This principle
prohibits host countries from treating refugees differently based on factors like race or
nationality. This principle is particularly important for refugee children, ensuring they
have equal access to essential services alongside their host country counterparts.
The Plight of Cold War Refugees
The Cold War era witnessed a dramatic increase in refugee flows. Conflicts like the
Korean War, the Hungarian Revolution, and the Vietnam War displaced millions,
including a significant number of children. These situations brought the specific
vulnerabilities of refugee children to the forefront.
The harrowing experiences of refugee children during the Cold War era garnered
significant public attention. Images of orphaned children, separated families, and the
long-term impact of displacement on child development pushed the international
community to recognize the need for more robust child-centered responses.
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1930s-1940s
The decades between the 1930s and 1940s witnessed a surge of refugee children in
Europe. The Spanish Civil War fractured families, with orphaned children becoming
a symbol of the conflict's human cost. Meanwhile, the Kindertransport operations
offered a glimmer of hope, evacuating Jewish children from Nazi persecution. World
War II's brutality saw millions displaced, with children fleeing war zones and
enduring the trauma of bombings. These events served as a wake-up call,
highlighting the vulnerability of refugee children and sparking international action for
their protection. The powerful imagery of displaced children fostered global empathy
and a sense of responsibility. While the specific conflicts may be over, the
experiences of these children serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for robust
frameworks to safeguard refugee children caught in future crises.
1950s-1970s
The wave of decolonization in Africa and Asia during the 1950s to 1970s brought a
new wave of refugee crises. As former colonies gained independence, the process was
often fraught with violence and instability. This resulted in mass displacement, with
children bearing a brunt of the suffering. Stories like the "Lost Boys of Sudan"
emerged, capturing the world's attention. These young boys, forced to flee civil war in
southern Sudan, trekked for hundreds of miles, facing hunger, violence, and separation
from their families. Their harrowing journey highlighted the long-term consequences
of displacement on children. Beyond the immediate physical dangers, these children
faced lasting psychological and social impacts. The disruption of their education,
separation from loved ones, and the trauma of violence could leave them struggling
with anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy attachments. The plight of the
"Lost Boys" became a symbol for countless other children caught in the crossfire of
decolonization conflicts. Their stories served as a crucial reminder that the impact of
displacement goes far beyond the initial upheaval. It emphasized the need for not just
physical safety for refugee children but also long-term support to address the
psychological and social scars they carry.
International actions
The international community has undertaken several significant actions to address the
unique challenges faced by refugee children.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (1989)
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This cornerstone treaty is the most widely ratified human rights instrument. It
specifically protects the rights of all children, including refugees, to survival,
development, education, health, and freedom from discrimination, violence, and
exploitation. The CRC serves as a foundation for ensuring refugee children's well-
being
UNHCR Guidelines on Refugee Children (2000)
Building on the CRC and the Refugee Convention, these guidelines provide practical
guidance for States and humanitarian actors on protecting refugee children. They cover
areas like child protection, education, registration, and alternative care for
unaccompanied minors. These guidelines translate the principles of the aforementioned
treaties into concrete actions for the well-being of refugee children.
UNHCR's Global Strategy for Refugee Children (2016)
We can infer its key areas of focus based on the UNHCR's ongoing work. The strategy
likely addressed the critical needs of refugee children in four main areas: protection,
education, livelihoods, and durable solutions.
Ensuring their safety and well-being from violence, exploitation, and neglect would
have been paramount.
Access to quality education, regardless of their situation, would have been another key
priority, aiming to improve completion rates and promote inclusion. Supporting
families in providing for their children and equipping refugee youth with skills for self-
sufficiency would likely have been addressed through livelihood initiatives.
Finally, the strategy might have advocated for durable solutions like resettlement or
voluntary repatriation, always keeping the best interests of the child at the forefront.
The strategies employed might have included streamlining asylum processes to
expedite access to basic needs and education, strengthening child protection
mechanisms to identify vulnerable children, and providing psychosocial support to
address the trauma of displacement.
Prominent aspects
Ensuring Access to Healthcare for Refugees
Health is a fundamental human right for all, including refugees. Making it possible for
refugees to access healthcare is a top priority for UNHCR, which is in line with the
2030 agenda on SDGs.
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According to the 1951 Refugee Convention, refugees should have access to the same
or similar healthcare as host populations.
More than 1.3 million children have made their way to Europe since 2014, fleeing
conflict, persecution, and poverty in their own countries. They include at least 225,000
children traveling alone - most of them teenage boys - as well as 500,000 children
under the age of five. In 2019 alone, almost 32,000 children (8,000 of them
unaccompanied or separated) reached Europe via the Mediterranean after agonizing
journeys from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and many parts of Africa - journeys that have
threatened their lives and their health. (UNICEF,2019)
Many have come from countries traveling for months if not years with no access to
health care. Many girls and boys arriving in Europe have missed out on lifesaving
immunizations and have experienced serious distress or mental health problems.
They may be carrying the physical and mental scars of violence, including sexual
abuse. The health of infants and mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding has been
put at risk by a lack of pre- and post-natal health services and support for child nutrition.
Child refugees and migrants also face an increased health risk due to crowded and
unhygienic living conditions during their journeys and at their destinations. Even upon
their arrival, refugee children and families often face continuous barriers to their health
care, such as cultural issues, bureaucracy, and language barriers.
UNHCR's primary work in this matter is providing healthcare support to refugees in
guidance, infrastructures, funds, medical equipment and supplies, and medicines.
Whether in camps or urban settings, the overall health of host and refugee communities
affects each individual, especially in countries that do not have adequate medical
services accessible to all such as in Lebanon. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease,
cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and mental health conditions, are the
greatest source of preventable illness, disability, and mortality worldwide.
Displacement can disrupt refugees' treatment for these diseases or delay diagnosis,
putting them at even greater risk. UNHCR trains community health workers to meet
with refugees to diagnose, and treat common illnesses, and follow up with pregnant
women, newborns, and people living with chronic diseases. The workers need to be
fluent in refugee languages and cultures, to break the language barrier. Community
health workers teach refugees about health, hygiene, and preventative health measures.
In 2014, UNHCR began improving access to chronic disease services by ensuring that
it is integrated into primary healthcare. Through a capacity-building project,
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procurement of evidence-based and cost-effective essential medicines, and data
collection and monitoring via the IRHIS (Integrated Refugee Health Information
System), access to healthcare for chronic diseases is now more available to refugees.
UNHCR trains health staff on chronic disease care including screening, diagnosing,
and managing patients using clinical protocols (aligned with host country protocols).
Capacity building includes training of staff to provide advice on smoking cessation,
monitoring of disease control, and awareness of complications.
Conflict and displacement that lead to refugee situations are a health risk. They increase
the population's vulnerability to contagious diseases because of weakened health
systems, overcrowding, poor water and sanitation conditions, interrupted
immunization activities, and delayed diagnoses. The main cause of death in many
conflict and displacement situations is not violence, but the spread of communicable
diseases such as malaria, measles, and diarrhea.
UNHCR approaches the control of communicable diseases from multiple sectors by
increasing the provision of or access to vaccinations (especially against measles, polio,
and tetanus) and to water and sanitation facilities. During all stages of refugee
situations, UNHCR focuses on measures for HIV prevention and treatment. In addition,
using the IRHIS, UNHCR undertakes surveillance for conditions that have the potential
to lead to communicable disease outbreaks.
Access to Education
Another fundamental human right that was highlighted during the 1951 Refugee
Convention and 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child is education. It is
protective and empowering, giving refugees the knowledge and skills to live
productive, fulfilling, and independent lives. It provides a route to employment and
self-sufficiency. It provides new generations with leaders, doctors, scientists,
engineers, writers, historians, and spokespeople.
Inclusion is key to boosting enrolment. Providing all learners with a proper curriculum
and school certification is the pathway to progressing to secondary and higher
education, and onwards to employment. In Rwanda, thousands of refugee children have
been enrolled in primary schools thanks to progressive government policies and
targeted funding from donors. In Uganda, 23,000 over-age learners who were
previously out of school are now participating in primary education thanks to
accelerated education programs. Turkey, which now hosts 3.7 million refugees,
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including 1 million school age children, has implemented a Turkish-language program
– along with new learning materials, subsidized transport, additional teacher training,
and other measures – to prepare refugee children for the transition from unofficial
temporary schools to Turkish ones.
Ecuador has passed legislation to make school enrolment much more accessible for
Venezuelan refugee children and youth, even in cases where they do not have the
required documentation. Whereas, in Lebanon, following the Syrian war in 2011 where
4 million Syrians were forcibly displaced to Lebanon to seek refuge; UNHCR reported
in 2014 that approximately 420,000 Syrians aged 6-14 require education services, and
many of these children have been out of school for 2 or more years, because of the
political instability back in their home country as well the inadequate education
services found in host countries.
Gender-based Violence
The number of refugees and displaced children is increasing. This is putting huge
pressure on governments, communities, and the humanitarian agencies that work to
protect them. An estimated 89.3 million people had been forcibly displaced from their
homes by the end of 2021, a figure that increased to a staggering 100 million by mid-
2022. In at least 17 countries, refugees or internally displaced people account for at
least 5% of the population.
More children are being affected worldwide, and they now account for 42 million who
have been forcibly displaced. The war in Ukraine has displaced more than 5.6 million
children, presenting another challenge to the collective global ability of States to
protect children in times of crisis. Displacement undermines the protection of children
by disrupting their family and community support, increasing their poverty, and
reducing their access to their economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right
to education and health.
Many of these children remain invisible to national child protection systems or are
caught in a bureaucratic net of lengthy processes to determine their status, and this
curtails their opportunities for a better future. This is particularly true for children living
in camps and camp-like situations, which are highly conducive to trafficking in persons
and other forms of crime.
The damage caused by multidimensional crises is on the rise. Crises caused by armed
conflicts, political instability, and climate change, coupled with the effects of health
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and economic crises, threaten children's rights, including their right to be protected
from violence, abuse, and neglect.
In every crisis, including those in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Haiti, Libya, Myanmar,
Pakistan, and Syria among a few; have national protection systems that are under
pressure as they try to scale up their response, and ensure their efficiency in addressing
the diverse protection challenges facing children who have been forcibly displaced.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global public health emergency that has plagued
girls and women throughout history. Defined as harmful acts directed at an individual
based on their gender, it is a constant threat for girls and women around the world
regardless of their age, race, or socioeconomic status. According to UNHCR, 1 in 5
refugee women are subjected to sexual violence.
The reality of refugee women remains unaccounted for, as they face three layers of
discrimination: statelessness, refugee status, and gender. Refugee camps are not
considered “safe places” for women as they are subjected to all forms of violence. Girls
are vulnerable to sexual harassment and child marriage – with little protection or
services.
In Lebanon, 12 refugee camps are housing over 450,000 Palestinian refugees initially
built by the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) back
in 1949 following the 1948 Nakba. According to UNRWA in 2018, 77% of Palestinian
refugee children and 72% of Palestinian children had experienced psychological and
physiological aggression.
Cultural Adjustment and Identity
The struggle of cultural adjustment for refugee children is a significant aspect of their
displacement experience. The abrupt displacement from their home country means
refugee children experience a loss of familiarity with their surroundings, as in
language, customs, traditions, and social norms; leading to feelings of confusion and
disorientation.
Not to mention, language is one of the primary barriers refugee children face in cultural
adjustment. Limited proficiency in the host country's language can hinder their ability
to communicate effectively, make friends, and access essential services. Differences in
social norms, communication styles, and recreational activities may impact their ability
to engage with peers and feel a sense of belonging.
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Refugee children may encounter cultural norms and values in the host country that
differ significantly from those of their home culture. In addition, cultural adjustment
causes refugee children to navigate questions of identity and belonging. They may
experience conflicts between their cultural heritage and the pressure to assimilate into
the dominant culture of the host country, leading to identity crises or feelings of cultural
dissonance.
Access to culturally competent support systems, such as counselors, mentors, and
community organizations, is crucial for helping refugee children navigate the
challenges of cultural adjustment. Programs that provide orientation, language
instruction, and intercultural competency training can facilitate the transition and
promote resilience.
Trauma experienced before and during displacement can intersect with the cultural
adjustment process, complicating the integration of refugee children into their new
environment. Cultural differences in the understanding and expression of trauma may
impact access to mental health services and hinder healing and recovery.
Understanding the complexities of cultural adjustment for refugee children is essential
for designing effective interventions and support systems that promote their well-being
and successful integration into their host societies.
Social Integration and Community support
Social integration and a lack of community support create a complex web of challenges
for refugees seeking to rebuild their lives. Limited opportunities to build relationships
with host communities can lead to isolation, hindering language acquisition and
cultural understanding. This social exclusion not only takes a toll on mental well-being
but also restricts access to informal job networks and vital community resources.
Furthermore, a lack of support systems can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities,
particularly for women and children, who may face increased risks of exploitation and
abuse. Fostering social inclusion through cultural exchange programs, mentorship
initiatives, and volunteer opportunities can be crucial in bridging this gap, promoting a
sense of belonging, and empowering refugees to contribute meaningfully to their new
communities.
Child Labor and Exploitation
Forced displacement rips a childhood away, leaving a harrowing reality for millions of
refugee children around the world. The desperation for income and the bleak lack of
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alternatives often pushes these vulnerable young people towards the dark underbelly
of child labor and exploitation. Families struggling financially may rely on their
children's meager earnings, exposing them to hazardous work environments that
endanger their physical safety. Long hours of backbreaking labor replace the laughter
and learning that should define their childhood. Low wages, barely enough to subsist
on, become the bitter reward for their stolen innocence. This exploitation not only
hinders their education and development, hindering their ability to break the cycle of
poverty, but also increases their vulnerability to trafficking and horrific experiences of
physical or sexual abuse. The lack of proper documentation and legal status further
exacerbates this issue, making them easy targets for unscrupulous employers who take
advantage of their precarious situation. However, there is hope. Investing in child
protection programs is a crucial step towards dismantling this exploitative system.
These programs can identify vulnerable children, provide them with safe spaces, and
offer crucial support services.
Promoting access to education is another critical piece of the puzzle. Education
empowers children, equips them with skills for a brighter future, and offers a sense of
normalcy amidst the chaos of displacement. Furthermore, providing alternative income
sources for families can alleviate the financial pressure that drives them to rely on child
labor. This could involve microloans, skills training for adults, or cash-for-work
programs. By prioritizing the well-being of refugee children, we can rewrite their
narrative. We can ensure they have the opportunity to reach their full potential, escape
the clutches of exploitation, and build a brighter future where their dreams, not
desperation, dictate their path.
Case studies
Lebanon
The conflict in Syria that began in 2011 has resulted in the displacement of over 5
million Syrian refugees to neighboring countries, with more than one million refugees
currently registered by UNHCR in Lebanon.
While some are living in tented housing, the majority are living in strained conditions
in rented accommodation or collective shelters in the Beqaa Valley next to Syria.
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable in any crisis.
The experiences and risks faced by these adolescents were significantly impacted by
economic strain and loss of educational opportunities during
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displacement, and only a minority of adolescents in the study conducted by AUB in
2014 reported attending school. Additionally, ongoing protection risks for girls were
felt to be higher due to the crisis and displacement.
In Lebanon, this has resulted in increased risks of child marriage and limitations in
mobility for adolescent girls. Adolescents, themselves expressed tensions with
Lebanese citizens and feared verbal attacks and beatings from school-aged Lebanese
male youth.
Whereas, around 210,000 Palestine refugees live in Lebanon: 180,000 Palestine
Refugees from Lebanon (PRL) and 30,000 Palestine Refugees from Syria (PRS),
where they are regarded as foreigners. Palestine refugees in Lebanon cannot work in
as many as 39 professions such as medicine, law, and engineering.
The 12 recognized Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon suffer from overcrowding,
poor housing conditions and insufficient infrastructure, poverty, and violence, posing
significant risks for children and youth.
Refugees who live outside the camps, in adjacent areas known as "Palestinian suburbs",
are often even more vulnerable. Palestinian refugees have been struggling with the
devastating crisis in Lebanon, which has aggravated the situation for children as their
parents struggle to meet their basic needs. At the same time, UNRWA is facing a severe
funding crisis, which is affecting the provision of health, education, protection, WASH,
and other support to Palestinian children and their families in Lebanon.
Ukraine
According to the latest numbers from the Associated Press, more than half of Ukraine's
7.5 million children have been forced to leave their homes as a result of the Russian
invasion. Of the 4.8 million children displaced, 2 million are seeking refuge in foreign
nations. Families are split as women and children cross the border alone into
neighboring Poland and Romania, among other European nations. Waiting for them
are aid organizations that have established bases in these countries to provide food,
shelter, and medicine to the staggering number of refugees. The children who remain
in Ukraine are at risk of hunger and illness as war efforts cut off ready access to food
and medical supplies.
Among these children were roughly 100,000 orphans before the national crisis. There
is no telling how many are added to this number every day. In Ukraine, many orphans
are institutionalized in boarding schools or orphanages. As is the case in other nations,
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a small percentage of these orphans are available for adoption, while others may be
institutionalized only temporarily with the hope of reunification.
The upheaval and chaos of war create an even more tenuous situation for these orphans
when the civil processes that serve to protect their identities, preserve familial ties, and
give an account for them are disrupted. Given that Ukraine has been a hotspot for
intercountry adoption among some wealthy nations like the United States, many
families were in the process of adopting a child when the war began.
Some of these families were able to finalize the adoptions and leave with their children.
Others have been left with only questions about what is happening with their
prospective child. By May 2023, as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the
number of forcibly displaced people across the world had doubled over the past decade,
reaching 110 million. Of those forcibly displaced in 2022, at least 35.3 million were
refugees - 76 percent of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. The school-
aged refugee population, which last year was around 10 million, increased by nearly
50 percent, reaching 14.8 million at the end of 2022. More than half of all refugee
children, or over 7 million, are not enrolled in school.
South Africa
South Africa, a nation lauded for its progressive refugee rights enshrined in its
constitution, grapples with a unique set of challenges in integrating refugees into its
social fabric. Unlike many countries, the asylum process in South Africa becomes a
bureaucratic labyrinth, trapping refugees for years in a state of limbo. This agonizing
wait extends far beyond obtaining legal status. Access to fundamental needs like
housing and healthcare becomes a distant dream, forcing refugees to navigate a
precarious existence on the fringes of society.
Further compounding these hardships is the ever-present specter of xenophobia.
Outbreaks of violence targeting refugees, fueled by misplaced blame for social ills,
create a climate of constant fear and anxiety. This not only hinders social integration
but also fosters a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The ability to work legally
becomes another hurdle on the path to self-sufficiency. Refugee status often translates
to limited or non-existent work permits, confining them to the informal sector with its
exploitative practices and meager wages.
Even for qualified refugees, their skills remain unrecognized, creating a frustrating
barrier to contributing to the formal economy. These distinct challenges paint a
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complex picture for refugees seeking a safe and sustainable future in South Africa,
highlighting the need for innovative solutions to bridge the gap between policy and
lived experiences.
Conclusion
The gravity of the situation for displaced children demands a global response that
prioritizes their wellbeing and future. As delegates, we cannot stand idly by. Ensuring
their safety requires robust international cooperation to address the root causes of
displacement, from fostering peace and diplomacy to holding perpetrators accountable.
Displaced children need holistic support, including quality education, mental health
services, and psychosocial programs to heal from trauma and build resilience. We must
champion family reunification and ensure alternative care arrangements prioritize the
child's best interests. Finally, integration through language learning and skills
development empowers them to contribute to their new communities and thrive. By
working together with a unified voice, we can prevent displaced children from
becoming a lost generation. Let us create a world where every child, regardless of their
circumstances, can experience the safety, stability, and nurturing environment they
deserve.
QTC
1. Does your country have any refugees?
2. What kind of actions has your country partaken in alleviating the struggles of refugee
children?
3. What kind of impact have refugees done in your country nationally?
4. Has your country put any policy or plan to help relieve the struggles of these
minorities nationally?
5. Are the current collaborations between nations enough to relieve the struggles?
6. How are the other SDGs impacted from the topic?
7. How did countries support their neighboring states that are occupied and have they
welcomed refugees?
Recommendations
Delegates are expected to be aware of the impact of this topic on each sector in their
respective country. (Humanitarian, economic, healthcare, political…)
Delegates should know that the conference topic is related to refugee children's
struggles.
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Delegates are encouraged to understand the principles and resolutions set forth by
previously held conventions and summits, build on them, and understand why past
resolutions have come short of alleviating the struggles of refugee children and how
to progress in the 2030 agenda of SDGs.
Delegates must research the status of the refugees they host and their struggles.
Delegates need to build feasible resolutions that can be applied globally, taking into
consideration the number of refugees in all countries.