Análisis Situacional y Priorización de Riesgos de Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes Migrantes Venezolanos en Seis (6) Municipios de Colombia

The research aimed to identify and prioritize risks faced by migrant children and adolescents in Soledad, Atlántico; Cartagena, Bolívar; Ipiales, Nariño; Bucaramanga, Santander; Cúcuta, Norte de Santander; and Villavicencio, Meta. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, using techniques such as in-depth interviews and focus groups to collect information from key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and migrant families. The research was guided by the four principles established by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which include the best interests of the child, non-discrimination, the right to life, survival, and development, and the right to participation. The study identified several risks faced by migrant children and adolescents, including violence, exploitation, and abuse. In Soledad, Atlántico, the research found that migrant children and adolescents were vulnerable to sexual violence, commercial sexual exploitation, and mendicancy. In Cartagena, Bolívar, the study highlighted the risks of commercial sexual exploitation, mendicancy, and physical abuse. In Ipiales, Nariño, the research identified the risks of human trafficking, exploitation, and mendicancy. In Bucaramanga, Santander, the study found that migrant children and adolescents were at risk of prolonged street presence, mendicancy, and exploitation. In Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, the research highlighted the risks of violence, exploitation, and abuse, while in Villavicencio, Meta, the study identified the risks of exploitation, abuse, and neglect. The study used a risk matrix to evaluate the identified risks, considering factors such as probability, consequences, and acceptability. The research concluded that the risks faced by migrant children and adolescents in Colombia were significant and required immediate attention from policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders. The study made several recommendations to address the identified risks, including the development of policies and programs to protect migrant children and adolescents, the provision of social services and support, and the strengthening of community-based initiatives to prevent and respond to child rights violations.