Ulaanbaatar
UNICEF Report: Children are most vulnerable to mining related in-migration in Mongolia
Society
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ The movement of people in connection with mining has significant impacts on children, reveals UNICEF report on the impact of in-migration on children in mining-affected communities in Mongolia. Launched today, the report is the first of its kind that provides better understanding and evidence of how and why children are affected by in-migration.
Children are usually the most vulnerable stakeholders regarding mining impacts, including the impacts of project-induced in-migration. As dependents of migrant mine workers, job seekers and other migrants, children are exposed to most of the project-related risks and impacts. In addition, children are particularly vulnerable to changes and disruptions to their lives and development due to migration, and to social and environmental changes in relation to rapidly increasing or decreasing populations. Yet, children are often overlooked in the management of the project-related in-migration as most steps of in-migration considerations fail to account for the presence of and impacts on children. As a consequence, in-migration impact management and development investments do not address the needs of children and can lead to the neglect of children’s basic rights such as safety, family, education and health.
Although communities have benefited socially and economically from both the presence of mining operations and related investments in infrastructure and social services such as schools and hospitals, the report highlights that more can and should be done to ensure that these benefits reach all children.
The study presents views and experiences of key stakeholders in the mining sector based on interviews with companies, central and local government officials, national civil society organizations, social service professionals, youth groups and social projects in areas that host mining operations.
“Given the prominence of the extractive industry for Mongolia’s economy, UNICEF invested in this research project to support private and public stakeholders in a better understanding of the impacts on children of project-induced in-migration in relation to four major mining operations in the country” said Mr Roberto Benes, UNICEF Mongolia Representative in his opening remarks. “We believe that the extractive industry can be a powerful ally to invest in protecting and promoting children’s rights and well being, starting with mitigating any adverse impact and utilising industry resources for positive and socially effective investments”.
Based on key findings from the research, the report provides recommendations for mining companies, local authorities and other key stakeholders on how to manage the impact of mining and in-migration on children and address social issues that arise in the mining communities. UNICEF is looking to engage with all relevant stakeholders in implementing these recommendations.
B.Oyundelger
Source: UNICEF Mongolia
