Safe Migration Channel for Children on the Move in China: An example of good practice in the Cross-border Project Against Trafficking and Exploitation of Migrant and Vulnerable Children in the Mekong Sub-region.
Rural-urban migration in China is a growing phenomenon. This report discusses the establishment of a rural-urban safe migration channel between Daluo Township (a rural township bordering Myanmar) and Jinghong City (the capital of Xishuangbanna). It is based on a pilot project that introduces migrant support systems in the places of origin, transit and destination to make migration safer, especially for women and children. The report starts with the description of Daluo Township and Junghong City in terms of demographics, economic development and migration. Secondly, it explains the migrant support network as a child protection system that is expected to develop better procedures and practices in order to prevent abuse and exploitation of migrant children as well as to identify, protect and monitor such incidences. Finally, the report identifies three key elements within this migrant support system, (1) involvement of local authorities and leaders in the support of migrant families, (2) participation of the private sector in Jinghong City by raising employers' awareness of the rights of migrants and labourers and encouraging them to provide the necessary training to their employees and (3) active participation of children and young people in Daluo and Jinghong by effectively conveying messages on safe migration to the target group of migrant children and young people.