Introduction to a mini symposium: creating new futures for all: international law and the protection of migrant children at risk.

Children in situations of displacement face a heightened risk of discrimination, disadvantage, exclusion and even physical and psychological abuse. This risk is magnified greatly by disability and exacerbated further by factors such as age and gender, as well as by socioeconomic and citizenship status. Even where resources are available to support displaced groups and/or those with disabilities, children and young people are more likely to be isolated and excluded and thus deprived of important services and facilities aimed at ensuring provision of their basic rights. Rarely are such children consulted on issues that affect them, and they have few opportunities to contribute to community processes or the improvement of programs and services aimed at supporting them. The development of and support for human rights law in these areas has been a positive step towards improving the situation. However, there remains a very evident need to continue national and international dialogue around the most appropriate, respectful and effective ways to support and empower those children and young people most at risk of not realising their full human potential.

This mini symposium explores the intersection of three seminal instruments which set out a clear agenda for promoting and pursuing the inherent dignity and worth of these most vulnerable children. As Professor Yanghee Lee (Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child) explains, children's right to provision, protection, and participation are critical aspects of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which aims to promote and protect the dignity, identity, safety and welfare of children. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention and Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees...