Recognition of the rights of unaccompanied children seeking asylum in Kenya
Date
2021-01
Authors
OBONDO, ASHLEY AUDRY
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
This is a study on unaccompanied children who are seeking asylum in host countries. This study shows how the current statutes are insufficient in addressing and recognizing unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. This study reveals that this group has not been given enough legal recognition by the international community which leads to their human rights being violated whenever they arrive at host countries. This study will also show that unaccompanied asylum-seeking children should be recognized separately from adult refugees as they are more vulnerable.
Description
National and international legal instrument acknowledge that children are vulnerable and need to be treated differently from adults in almost all circumstances. The 1924 Geneva Declaration on Children's Rights which was reinforced by the League of Nations states that children are to be given priority in times of distress. The movement of unaccompanied and separated children globally presents unique challenges to the advocates of these children, governments, non-governmental organisations, and the children themselves. These children are culpable to the global trends of criminalization, imprisonment just to mention a few issues; These chances are increased because of their age and culpability to be exploited and trafficked.