Institutionalization as a Risk to the Rights of Unaccompanied Migrant Children in Ecuador

Abstract

The lack of recognition of human mobility as a multidimensional phenomenon and restrictive migration policies from the States highlight a higher level of vulnerability of unaccompanied children and adolescents, particularly in terms of the risk of institutionalization due to the lack of adoption of alternative care modalities. The study highlighted the shortcomings of the protection system for unaccompanied migrant children in Ecuador, as well as the practices that should be implemented to eradicate institutionalization as a first measure. In addition, it is important to have alternative care mechanisms and updated and disaggregated statistical information that allows to know how the State seeks to eradicate these practices with a primary focus on the protection of their human rights.