Rights for Children and Youth: Developing Partnerships across the Americas

The centerpiece of this research are the consultations with youth (e.g., focus groups, community activities) who have been affected by the migration process. Of particular interest is whether or not children and youth from Central America and the Caribbean have less protection after the migration process, especially when they are not accompanied by one or both the parents. For the Immigration Dynamics component of this project, we are conducting participatory action research with other governmental and non-governmental organizations within the region and Canada. We will also examine whether Canada provides special protections for unaccompanied children, how family dynamics change, whether or not educational difficulties emerge, and the vulnerability of children and youth of trafficking and involvement in organized crime after migration.