Wednesday 14 December 2005 Search

IRIN Web Special on Separated Somali Children Summary of observations A persistent social emergency after a decade of conflict and international neglect in all Somali territories encourage adults to send separated minors abroad despite the high cost The category "separated" or "unaccompanied" is an imperfect one in the case of Somali children, as the number of those seeking asylum does not necessarily reflect the number arriving in the country; neither does the conventional category reflect the variety of circumstances and outcomes for Somali children who arrive at a port of entry without parents or normal guardians The condition of Somali children ranks among the worst in the world, according to humanitarian statistics; children have no legal or institutional protection in Somali territories Deception, pressure and force are used by family members and smugglers to make Somali children adopt false identities, use fraudulent documents and travel abroad Lack of education at all levels in all territories is given as the main reason for sending children away; including the lack of recognized qualifications even in post-conflict areas Somali children forced to migrate without an accompanying family unit face special risks and vulnerabilities, including neglect, exploitation and abuse Additional international security after the events of 11 September 2001 temporarily stemmed the flow of children out of Mogadishu; but smugglers were able to continue the trade by increasing cost and changing routes and practices Living with a false identity in a foreign country causes minors serious psychological problems Child smuggling in Somali territories is sometimes facilitated by corruption and fraud in immigration departments in transit and receiving countries Somali children are used by adults to exploit social security systems Smuggling of Somali children include cases of trafficking, as defined by the UN Special Rapporteur, and is linked to international criminal networks Recent trends show more registered separated Somali girls than boys European and North American officials have shown a willingness at times to use illegal deportation methods in the absence of a recognized Somali government, including employing the services of local agents involved in illegal migration practices Bi-cultural separated Somali minors who are returned to the homeland under duress or through deception are in danger of harassment, extortion, rape and murder [ENDS] Top of the Page

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Introduction

Summary

Executive Summary

A Gap in their Hearts - the experience of separated Somali children

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Safiya's Story Summary of observations

Personal Accounts

Ismahan Muhammad Ilhan Houdan Ahmad Halima Dahabo

Photo Gallery

Gallery Mini Slide show

Audio Programme

Listen in English Ku dhageyso af Soomali Download the RealPlayer

Bibliography

Bibliography

Maps

Map of Somalia

Full report (English)1.4 Mb Full report (Somali)932KB

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