Current systems designed to protect migrant children are failing, leaving many at risk of trafficking, sale and other forms of exploitation, two United Nations human rights experts have warned.

“The mechanisms designed to protect children caught up in conflict or humanitarian crises are largely ineffective and do little to prevent the precarious situation these children find themselves in,” said Special Rapporteurs Maria Grazia Giammarinaro and Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, speaking ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Sunday 30 July.

“So many children have died in conflict zones and along their perilous journey,” they said.“We call on all States to step up their efforts to protect children on the move from trafficking, sale and other forms of exploitation,” they urged. “Children are disproportionately affected by conflicts and disasters, and those who have been separated from their families are particularly vulnerable.”

To read the full press release