UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND
Agenda: Discussion on ending the detention of refugee and migrant
children by developing practical alternatives
Neerja Modi Model United Nations 2024
Table of Contents
Introduction from the Executive Board 3
Introduction to the Committee 5
Definition of Key Terms 7
History of the Issue 9
Past Actions on the Issue 10
Future Solutions 13
Questions A Resolution Must Answer 15
Bloc Positions 17
Conclusion 20
Bibliography 21
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Introduction from the Executive Board
Honourable Delegates,
It is our distinct honor to welcome you to the UNICEF Committee of NMMUN 24, a forum
dedicated to the promotion and protection of children's rights worldwide. In this committee, we
aim to foster a constructive dialogue that leads to concrete solutions for some of the most
pressing issues facing the global community's youngest and most vulnerable members.
The mandate of UNICEF is rooted in ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has
the opportunity to live a life of dignity, free from harm, and with access to essential services. The
agenda before you this year is “Ending the Detention of Refugee and Migrant Children by
Developing Practical Alternatives.” The detention of children in migration contexts is a critical
humanitarian issue, and we must address it with the urgency and gravity it demands.
As delegates, you are entrusted with the responsibility of exploring the multifaceted aspects of
this issue, including legal frameworks, the humanitarian impact on children's health and
development, and the responsibilities of international and national actors. Your task will be to
consider practical alternatives to detention while balancing the needs of both migrant children
and host nations.
We expect each of you to bring thorough and well-organized research to the table, as it will be
the foundation of effective and meaningful debate. UNICEF has a wealth of resources that you
should utilize, alongside international conventions and regional examples, to propose thoughtful
and innovative solutions. Additionally, we encourage you to remain agile in your thinking,
capable of responding to the dynamic nature of the debate, and ready to adapt to evolving
discussions.
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We urge you to engage fully, remain open to critique, and hold steadfast in your pursuit of
actionable outcomes that prioritize the protection of children. We look forward to witnessing
your contributions to what we are confident will be a fruitful and impactful committee session.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Kind regards,
Aarjav Jain and Shriya Jagwayan
Presidents
Evyavan Choudhary, Simran Jain, and Raghav Agrawal
Vice-Presidents
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Introduction to the Committee
The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established in 1946
with a primary focus on providing aid to children whose lives and futures were in jeopardy due
to World War II. Since then, UNICEF has expanded its mandate, now operating in over 190
countries and territories. Its mission is to defend the rights of every child, focusing on those in
the most disadvantaged situations. UNICEF's goals are to ensure that every child survives,
thrives, and fulfills their potential.
UNICEF works closely with governments, civil society, and other organizations to implement
child-focused programs across a range of areas, including health, education, child protection, and
emergency response. The committee also provides legal assistance and guidance for the
enforcement of international conventions like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
the Child (CRC), which sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of
children globally.
Beyond humanitarian aid, UNICEF advocates for child-centered policies at local, national, and
global levels. It actively engages with governments to influence policies that address child
poverty, access to education, healthcare, and protection. UNICEF publishes comprehensive
reports on issues affecting children, such as the State of the World's Children, which highlights
key challenges and progress in child development worldwide.
In this committee, delegates will need to balance international law with cultural, political, and
economic realities to create actionable resolutions. They will also need to take into account the
legal and humanitarian obligations of the countries involved. UNICEF's role goes beyond
proposing policies; it aims to inspire long-lasting systemic changes that improve the welfare of
children worldwide. The committee will focus on addressing the detention of refugee and
migrant children, and promoting policies and strategies that prioritize their well-being.
UNICEF’s primary goal is to ensure that children are protected from violence, exploitation, and
abuse and that their rights to education, healthcare, and family unity are upheld.
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In conclusion, delegates will encounter grueling situations where their skills in diplomatic
negotiations and critical thinking will be put to the test. Your active participation in this
committee will help you cultivate a deeper understanding of the global condition of children who
are affected by wars, and deprived of the necessities of life. It is imperative to channel your
analytical prowess to create an environment of healthy competition and mutual exchange of
knowledge. I encourage every one of you to actively engage in this simulation, leverage your
knowledge and skills, and contribute to the formulation of comprehensive resolutions that reflect
the spirit of international cooperation and address the pressing issues of our time.
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Definition of Key Terms
Refugee: An individual who has been forced to flee their home country due to persecution,
conflict, or violence, and who seeks protection in another country.
Migrant: A person who moves from one country to another, often for economic reasons, to seek
better living conditions, or to escape hardship. This term can apply to people with varying legal
statuses, including those who are undocumented.
Detention: The practice of keeping individuals in custody, often in specialized facilities, while
their legal status or immigration claims are being processed.
Child Detention: The practice of holding children in custody, typically in facilities designed for
adults or in juvenile detention centers, while their immigration status is being determined or
resolved.
Alternatives to Detention (ATD): Measures and strategies used as substitutes for detaining
children in migration or asylum processes. ATDs prioritize the best interests of the child, often
involving community-based care or family reunification rather than institutional detention.
Best Interest of the Child: A fundamental principle of the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child (CRC), which mandates that the welfare and rights of the child should be a
primary consideration in all decisions and actions concerning them, including in migration and
asylum processes.
Non-refoulement: A principle in international law that prohibits returning refugees or asylum
seekers to a country where they could face persecution or danger. This applies to children and
ensures their protection from being sent back to harmful situations.
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Child-Sensitive Asylum Procedures: Specialized protocols and procedures designed to assess
the needs and claims of children seeking asylum in a way that recognizes their unique
vulnerabilities and rights, including ensuring they are not subject to detention.
Blue Dot Hubs: Child-friendly spaces established by UNICEF and partners along major
migration routes. These hubs provide critical services such as counseling, healthcare, protection
from trafficking, and information to ensure the safety and well-being of refugee and migrant
children.
Statelessness: The condition in which a person, including children, is not considered a national
by any state. Stateless children are particularly vulnerable in migration contexts, as they lack
legal protection and access to basic services.
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History of the Issue
Refugee and migrant children are among the most vulnerable populations globally. Many are
detained due to irregular migration status, lack of documentation, or during border control
processes. These children, whether traveling with their families or alone, are often housed in
overcrowded, unsafe, and unsuitable detention facilities. It is a violation of their rights and
should be avoided at all costs.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) emphasizes that detention
should only be used as a last resort. Immigration detention is expensive, burdensome to
administer and rarely fulfills its stated objectives as a migration management tool, and it does not
act as a deterrent to would-be migrants.
This issue requires urgent attention in countries suffering from long-drawn wars. The refugee
crisis amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has scaled in the past few years,
where around 4.3 million children have been displaced, with more than 1.8 million crossing into
neighboring countries. Violation of ceasefires, UNSC and UNGA resolutions has worsened the
condition of children, impacting their mental health, education and increased risk of exploitation
and abuse. More than 1.1 million children have arrived in Poland, with hundreds of thousands
also arriving in Romania, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
The Geneva Convention states that the refugees must not be returned to their home country, must
be protected against violence and hostage situations, and prohibits executions without proper
judicial procedure. It outlines the basic minimum standards for the treatment of refugees,
including the right to housing, healthcare and education so that they can lead a dignified and
independent life.Despite protocol, these standards have not been maintained and promises
unkept.
UNICEF and other global organizations have adopted several measures to provide aid to the
displaced but a permanent solution is possible only when both sides, Russia and Ukraine, agree
to and abide by a peaceful agreement.
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At least 77 countries have laws and policies that allow children to be detained based on their
legal or migratory status, and at least 330,000 children globally per year are deprived of their
liberty based on their legal or migratory status.
Children held in detention are at risk of suffering depression and anxiety and frequently exhibit
symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as insomnia and
nightmares, and there can even be significant damage to their long-term cognitive and physical
development. The continued use of detention is even more surprising given that the evidence
shows that the practice is expensive and difficult for states to maintain and that it is not an
effective migration management tool.
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Past Actions on the Issue
Countries have been taking various measures to end the detention of immigrant children,
including the adoption of whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, implementing
regional and national policies and legal frameworks that ban the detention of children, creating
temporary regularization programs that lead to temporary permits, and investing in inclusive
child protection systems. Additionally, efforts have been made to scale up family-based
alternative care and support community-based care programs as alternatives to institutional care.
In the specific context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, UNICEF has been deeply involved in
addressing the needs of displaced children. To respond to this crisis, UNICEF has expanded its
mobile child protection teams from 22 to 50 and has delivered 63 trucks of lifesaving supplies to
support over 2.2 million people. Emergency cash transfers are being initiated for the most
vulnerable families, and efforts are underway to address the severe reduction in vaccination
coverage that increases the risk of disease outbreaks. In addition, UNICEF is distributing water,
hygiene items, and complementary food support to meet the nutritional needs of 450,000
children aged 6 to 23 months.
International Legislation and Guidelines:
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) 1989
Article 37(b): detentions are to be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest
appropriate period.
Article 3: the best interest of the child will be a primary consideration in all actions concerning
children.
UNHCR Guidelines on Detention of Asylum Seekers, 2012: Detention of asylum-seeking
children is not recommended, and alternatives such as care by family and community are also
recommended.
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UN Human Rights Council resolutions, 2017, 2018, and 2020, emphasize the following:
Protection of refugee and migrant children from detention, calling for governments to ensure
access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence.
Refugee detention issues are endless, and the solutions are just not enough; hence, UNICEF calls
for practical alternatives to end this injustice to children who deserve a safe and secure
childhood.
Ukrainian National Legislation:
Law on the Protection of Childhood: Ukraine has enacted laws to safeguard children’s rights,
including those displaced by conflict. This includes provisions for child protection, family
reunification, and support for vulnerable children.
Law on the Provision of Social Services: This law governs the provision of social services to
children, including those affected by conflict, and includes measures for support and protection.
International and Regional Frameworks:
European Union Temporary Protection Directive: For EU member states receiving Ukrainian
refugees, this directive provides temporary protection to displaced persons, including children,
which encompasses access to housing, healthcare, and education.
UN Security Council Resolutions: Resolutions such as UNSCR 2427 emphasize the protection of
children in conflict zones and the need for specific measures to address their needs.
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Future Solutions
Various alternatives can be adopted by the governments of the countries. The first step should be
the recognition of this problem in the countries that are battling it. Only then can child-friendly
procedures and well-being be seen as essentials to the resolve. Timely legislation accompanied
by effective implementation is the key to a better future.
It is crucial to build community-based care institutions. These include foster homes for
abandoned children, supportive housing to ensure living in hygienic conditions, group homes,
etc. Child protection systems in the war-affected regions of Russia and Ukraine must be
strengthened in order to reach even the most isolated camps. Specialised centres equipped with
professionals trained trauma-informed care may be set up. These are likely to help children
integrate into society, receive emotional support, and adjust to their new normal lifestyle.
More efforts and manpower could be dedicated to tracing and locating lost family members,
supporting family reunification by DNA testing, documentation, etc., and facilitating
communication between separated family members and children. Since large scale damage has
been caused to the infrastructure in Ukraine, global funding and aid is essential to initiate such
procedures.
International cooperation plays a key role in recognizing and working towards this urgent matter.
Neighbouring countries of Russia and Ukraine need policy reforms that put an end to the plight
of child refugees with simpler and quicker legal procedures. Along with the existing global
standards, stricter protocols must be executed for necessary change.
Cross-border safe corridors for children escaping the conflict must be maintained jointly by
Russia, Ukraine and other international organisations. International commissions may be set up
to inquire about child detention instances and hold the governments of the involved countries as
accountable and consequently responsible for the welfare of the children.
UNICEF strives to improve data collection and analysis services to track progress and identify
gaps in service delivery. Access to education and healthcare for children trapped in remote areas
is essential to bridge the discrimination between the privileged and the underprivileged.
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UNICEF believes strongly that policy reforms can be the strongest changemakers. An efficacious
regulation, the aim of firm application, the will to comply accompanied with the sentiment to
provide the best for children can lead to massive results.
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Questions A Resolution Must Answer
1. What are the current conditions and challenges faced by refugee and migrant children
displaced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly regarding their detention and overall
well-being?
2. How can access to education, healthcare, and protection services be guaranteed? How can the
quality of such services be regulated and a better future be ensured?
3. How can family reunification be facilitated in a way that does not create any mental pressure
or inconvenience to the families and children involved? What support services can be provided?
4. What child-friendly procedures could be identified concerning asylum and immigration? What
are the feasibility criteria that the governments must decide while legislating such a policy?
5. How are cross-border policies and practices influencing the detention of children fleeing the
Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly in neighboring countries like Poland, Hungary, and
Moldova?
6. How can trafficking, exploitation, and abuse be prevented for such children who are stuck in
remote and unsafe areas? What are the measures that must be adopted for the recovery and
accommodation of children who have suffered from this problem?
7. How can UNICEF introduce revised and modern community-based care programs that can be
supported and strengthened?
8. What long-term strategies can be developed to address the root causes of displacement and
reduce the likelihood of detention for refugee and migrant children in the context of ongoing
conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine situation?
9. How can UNICEF and partner organizations enhance their operations to ensure that displaced
children are not detained and receive essential services in conflict-affected areas?
10. How can UNICEF promote international cooperation or funding mechanisms that would
provide further support for these efforts regarding refugee children's detention?
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11. What accountability mechanisms would ensure that commitments by governments and other
actors are honored?
12. How can UNICEF engage with refugee and migrant communities affected by the
Russia-Ukraine conflict to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed about child
detention?
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Bloc Positions
1. Pro-Ukraine Bloc (Western & Allied Nations-NATO)
These countries condemn Russia's actions and strongly advocate for humanitarian interventions
to support Ukrainian child refugees. They call for immediate cessation of hostilities, protection
of civilian infrastructure, and international accountability for the displacement of children.
Key Positions:
Urgent humanitarian aid for Ukrainian child refugees.
Expanded safe corridors and resettlement programs.
Support for the Blue Dot initiative, focusing on unaccompanied minors.
Demand for accountability from Russia for war crimes involving children.
Countries:
United States: Leading efforts to provide aid and sanctions on Russia.
United Kingdom: Strong advocate for refugee protection and sanctions.
France: Committed to humanitarian support and refugee relocation.
Poland: Host to millions of refugees, pushing for EU-led support.
Germany: Providing extensive aid and refugee resettlement.
Canada: Focused on both humanitarian assistance and child protection.
Australia: Supporting international aid and refugee protection programs.
Japan: Strong supporter of humanitarian assistance and sanctions.
Mexico: Advocating for international cooperation to protect child refugees.
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Switzerland, Spain.
2. Pro-Russia Bloc
This bloc supports or does not explicitly condemn Russia’s military actions, downplaying the
refugee crisis or attributing it to Western interventions. They call for diplomatic resolutions and
oppose sanctions, viewing them as exacerbating the refugee problem.
Key Positions:
Emphasize non-interventionist solutions and diplomacy.
Highlight the role of Western sanctions in worsening child refugee conditions.
Focus on humanitarian support without assigning blame.
Push for increased support for children affected in Russian-occupied regions.
Countries:
Russia: Justifies military actions, and focuses on aid to Russian-controlled areas.
Belarus: Supports Russia’s narrative, offering aid to displaced children in pro-Russian areas.
Syria: Aligns with Russia, calling out Western interventionism.
Iran: Opposes sanctions, offering to mediate a peace resolution.
Venezuela: Critical of Western actions and supports Russia’s stance.
Turkey: Ambivalent but leans toward Russia on certain humanitarian grounds.
Yemen, Iraq.
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3. Neutral Bloc
These countries aim to remain neutral, calling for immediate ceasefires and prioritizing
humanitarian assistance without taking sides. They advocate for the rights and welfare of child
refugees, focusing on diplomacy and peace negotiations.
Key Positions:
Prioritize ceasefire and peace talks.
Focus on non-political humanitarian aid to displaced children.
Advocate for enhanced child protection mechanisms in conflict zones.
Promote the use of international frameworks like the CRC to ensure children’s rights.
Countries:
India: Emphasizes diplomacy and multilateral solutions, offering humanitarian aid without
aligning with any bloc.
Bangladesh: Advocates for protecting child refugees, recalling its refugee crises.
Jordan: Prioritizes humanitarian efforts and child welfare, avoiding direct condemnation.
Lebanon: Focuses on aid and peaceful resolutions, urging for international cooperation.
Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Austria, Kenya, Sudan, Indonesia, UAE, Saudi Arabia.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of detaining refugee and migrant children amidst the Russia-Ukraine
conflict represents one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time. The urgency to
find practical alternatives to detention cannot be overstated. It is imperative that the international
community, guided by principles of human dignity and the best interests of the child, come
together to develop and implement effective solutions that address both immediate needs and
long-term strategies.
The UNICEF Committee must focus on leveraging international frameworks, such as the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to advocate for child-sensitive asylum
procedures and robust alternatives to detention. By prioritizing community-based care,
enhancing family reunification efforts, and ensuring access to education and healthcare, the
committee can drive systemic changes that uphold the rights and welfare of displaced children.
Furthermore, the committee should emphasize the need for international cooperation and support
for existing humanitarian initiatives, including the Blue Dot Hubs and other child protection
programs. Strengthening data collection, improving service delivery, and fostering global
partnerships are essential components in mitigating the impact of conflict on children and
ensuring their well-being.
The resolution should address the root causes of displacement and work towards preventing
future instances of detention. It is crucial to engage with affected communities, ensuring that
their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in the formulation of policies and practices.
We look forward to being part of a productive and insightful session alongside the company of
all delegates. We trust that the dedication and expertise of all delegates will lead to the
development of comprehensive and effective resolutions.
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