ACERWC African Committee of Experts on the Rights & Welfare of the Child “If you try to run, they shoot you. If you stop working, they beat you,” the report quoted Aimamo, a 16-year-old unaccompanied child from Gambia, as saying. “We were just like slaves,” said the child, who described being forced into months of gruelling manual labour by traffickers in Libya. The Star, ‘Just like slaves’: African migrant children face highest risk of abuse – report 12 September 2017 475 Violence against children on the move is further exacerbated by the phenomenon of criminalization of their status, which results in the use of ‘inappropriate terminology.460 The use of such inappropriate terminology depicts individuals negatively which heightens negative discourses on migrants and refugees and further reinforces stigma and stereotypes against them.461 Such language leads to marginalization, alienation and discrimination which exposes the children to violence and xenophobia. Essentially, this is an affront to the requirement of non-discrimination and consideration of primary interest of the child in all matters that affect children. 5.12 Violation of the right to a family, parental care and protection Migration and asylum or refugee laws, policies and practices frequently lack child rights perspectives and in particular decisions in respect to family unity are not based on systematic assessment of the best interests of the child.462 Often procedures for determination of children’s identity, age and nature of the relationship between separated child and accompanying adult as well as identification of guardians are not based on the best interests of the child.463 In certain situations there is no proper access to documentation, family tracing and guardian systems.464 The Committee on the Rights of the Child in General Comment No.6 also notes that where family reunification of separated is not permitted in situations where children are recognised as refugees in certain countries, such children are granted temporary status. Unfortunately, the temporary status ends when they attain the age of 18, ‘and there are few effective return programmes.’465 Generally, obstacles to family reunification may contribute to increased irregular entry in cases where unaccompanied child is seeking to reunite with parents in the destination country or may extend the duration of irregular residence in situations that the child’s family is still within the host country.466 This can lead to social exclusion and deprivation of access to socio-economic rights.467 Worse still, separation from family denies a child the protection and guidance from his or her parents and other family members.468 This might increase exposure and vulnerability to exploitation, abuse and violation of their rights.469 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 82 IOM, Children on the Move (2013) p1. As above. Save the Children’s key messages for the First Informal thematic session on the human rights of all migrants Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration 8-9th May 2017 p 3. As above. Daniela Reale, Protecting and supporting children on the move: Translating principles into practice.in IOM, Children on the Move (2013). As above.. UNICEF & National University of Lanus, Argentina, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Of Migrant Children And Children Born To Migrant Parents: Challenges, Good Practices and Recommendations (2010) P 9. As above. Action for the Rights of Children (ARC), Abuse and Exploitation – Revision 04/01 p 12. As above.