Separated Children, Exile and Home-Country Links: The Example of Somali Children in the Nordic Countries
Author(s): W. Ayotte
The objectives of this research is to acquire a better understanding of the situation in Somalia and the impact of separation and voluntary return on separated children. The study is based on interviews conducted in May-June, 2001 in Denmark and Somalia. The research suggests that the concept of voluntary return can be "top heavy" for separated children, because it places too much emphasis on an outcome, as contrasted to a process in which a young person explores opportunities for the future in relation to their countries of origin and exile. However, children and young people should have the same opportunities as adults to investigate their home country context. In particular, renewing connections with parents and other family members is clearly an important element of home-country links.