Children across Southeast Asia speak up on migration through “Voices Without Borders” Initiative

18 March 2026 - Children across ASEAN are sharing their experiences and ideas on migration through Voices without Borders, a regional initiative of UNICEF and World Vision International to amplify the voices of children affected by migration. The initiative contributes to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Midterm Review of the Regional Plan of Action on Children in the Context of Migration (RPA-CCM), ensuring that children’s lived experiences help shape regional policies that protect their rights and wellbeing.

Migration affects millions of children across ASEAN. Families may move in search of work or due to conflict or climate-related disasters, often disrupting children’s education, access to basic services, and family life.  Despite being directly affected, children’s voices are rarely included in migration discussions.

Voices Without Borders creates a safe and inclusive platform for children and young people to connect across borders and share their perspectives with policymakers and partners.   Their insights will contribute to ASEAN’s midterm review of the RPA-CCM and broader regional discussions on migration and child protection.

“The European Union believes that children must be part of the conversations that shape policies affecting their lives. Through the PROTECT programme, the EU is proud to support initiatives like Voices Without Borders that empower children affected by migration to share their experiences and ideas. Listening to children helps us build migration policies that better protect their rights, dignity, and wellbeing” shared Tom Corrie, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Thailand.

During the event, UNICEF and World Vision also officially launched the Child-Friendly Version of the ASEAN Declaration on the Rights of Children in the Context of Migration, an important milestone that translates regional commitments into language that children can understand and engage with. The child-friendly declaration aims to empower children with knowledge about their rights and encourage their meaningful participation in shaping policies and solutions that affect them. The declaration can be accessed here:

“Every child has the right to be heard and to participate in decisions that affect their lives, including those related to migration,” said Tasha Gill, UNICEF Global Lead for Migration. “Children affected by migration face many challenges, but they also offer powerful insights into how systems can better protect them. Meaningful child participation is central to UNICEF’s work to promote and protect the rights of all children.”

“Young people are not just participants in these conversations; they are co-creators of solutions,” said Terry Ferrari, Regional Leader, World Vision East Asia. “Children affected by migration carry insights and lived experiences that adults often overlook. When we listen to their voices and support their leadership, we can build policies and systems that truly protect children on the move and those left behind.”

A young participant in the consultation also highlighted the importance of the initiative. “Migration affects our families and our futures,” the child said. “Sometimes children feel invisible when decisions are made. Through this platform, we can share our stories and help leaders understand what children really need.”

Voices Without Borders is part of the Ensuring Decent Work and Reducing Vulnerabilities for Women and Children in the Context of Labour Migration in Southeast Asia (PROTECT) programme, supported by the European Union and implemented by UNICEF, International Labour Organisation, UN Women, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Through regional collaboration, the PROTECT programme aims to strengthen legislation, policies, and protection mechanisms for migrant women and children while expanding access to social services, legal support, and information to prevent exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.

By amplifying children’s voices, Voices Without Borders aims to ensure migration policies across ASEAN reflect children’s realities and uphold their rights, dignity, and wellbeing.