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Migration and Youth: Overcoming Health Challenges

Part of the 2011 Migration and Development Series, jointly organized by UNITAR, IOM, UNFPA, the MacArthur Foundation and in collaboration with UNICEF and WHO

28 April 2011 Conference Room B (NLB) United Nations Headquarters, New York Background

The 2010 World Youth Conference (WYC) revealed how young migrants (identified as age group from 15 to 241) are essential vectors for development in both origin and destination countries. Further, it reinforced the commitment to implement coordinated policies and programmes that guarantee the achievement of the highest attainable level of physical and mental health among young people. With the adoption of the Guanajuato declaration in August 2010 as an outcome of the WYC, Member States reiterated that “young people are fundamental stakeholders in the achievement of development goals set by the international community” and further identified two key priorities for actions: “Health” and “International Migration”.

In conjunction with the International Year of Youth (August 2010-August 2011), this half-day briefing will explore the significance of health for youth wellbeing in the context of the migration experience. Organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the MacArthur Foundation and in collaboration with the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), this event will assess the specific health risks affecting young migrants in transit and destination countries; share best practices to secure their protection; and determine areas of protection gaps. In addition, this briefing aims to identify policy recommendations at the international, national and local levels that will enable, educate and empower youth migrants in improving their health status and heightening their contribution to host communities.

Despite the increasing attention that migration and health issues have gained in recent years, a lack of standardized data and evidence-based population health strategies persist. While a number of countries have successfully implemented programmes in promoting health among migrants, these are often fragmented and need long-term sustainability. Further, research in a number of countries demonstrates how overtime young migrants remain more vulnerable to a vast array of health risks including reproductive health-related issues: psycho-social affects particular to their age; sexually transmitted diseases; substance abuse; eating disorders often exacerbated by social exclusion, poverty and limited health literacy; and challenges accessing health care services.

1 World Programme of Action for Youth, Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, 2010. Seminar Objectives

The briefing will analyse the following thematic areas:  Migration trends among youth migrants and analysis of existing data gaps;  Identification of specific youth-related health risks for migrant youth in destination communities;  Significance of health in the context of the developmental potential of migration;  Legal and institutional gaps: identifying youth as a pillar of migrant health policies;  Best practices and lessons learned in programme implementation and promotion of multi- country partnerships and networks.

Methodology

The briefing is structured as a face to face event, benefiting from the contribution of renowned experts from governments, the Global Migration Group, civil society and academia. Following the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions with the speakers.

Target Audience

This briefing is designed for the members of permanent missions, UN staff and interested representatives of non-governmental organizations, academia and the private sector. Applicants are requested to regard their participation as a firm commitment.

Registration and Contact

To register for this event, please contact Mr. Pierpaolo Capalbo at:

UNITAR c/o Mr. Pierpaolo Capalbo 1 United Nations Plaza, Suite DC1-603 New York, NY 10017-3515 Email: [email protected] Phone: (212) 963-9684 or 9196 Fax: (212) 963-9686 or 0995

Registration deadline: 21 April 2011