In urban settings, no significant number of unaccompanied minors and separated children (UAMSC) were recorded in both DRC and Gabon. That is not the case in rural areas. Indeed, for Rwandan and South Sudan refugees, about 170 cases of UAM were recorded in 2015 in DRC. They were mostly separated from their parents during the flight from their country of origin. In such situations, refugee children are at risk of forced recruitment (Rwandan refugees), SGBV and other forms of exploitation. Their needs include access to safe play areas, education and assurance of family unity. Separation of children from their families during displacement within the DRC is a protection risk. In 2015, during the voluntary repatriation of Rwandan refugees, separated or unaccompanied children were recorded for each convoy and 64 cases of family reunification were facilitated. The majority of these children were accompanied by their family members who signed the reunification certificates before their departure to Rwanda. This family reunification process was facilitated by the CNR. Throughout 2016-2017, the family reunification program for children will continue as long as there are candidates for voluntary repatriation. Separated and unaccompanied children will be identified and reunited with their families.
In coordination with protection partners, protection mechanisms will be established for child identification, registration, access to basic services, and cases will be submitted to the best interest determination (BID) panel for durable solutions including resettlement. Some children will be reunited with their parents and others placed in foster care. Follow up on the protection of children in foster care will be provided by other protection partners. Standard operation procedures (SOPs) will reflect measures to record SGBV, to prevent fraud and sexual abuse and exploitation. 100 per cent of BID decision was taken by a panel for 50 per cent of BID process initiated and completed.
2017