Pacific Islands: Children left behind by parents due to regional labour mobility schemes are vulnerable to abuse
"Pacific children left behind and vulnerable due to regional labour mobility schemes", 22 July 2024
Pacific Islands children are being left behind by their parents, who are taking up opportunities presented by regional labour mobility schemes, increasing concerns about child abuse.
...
Seremaiah said there needs to be pre-departure support programmes for parents and systems of support during deployments.
He said despite financial benefits the scheme provides, children without parents may adopt "risky behaviour", such as alcohol and drug abuse.
"There is a strong emotional impact on children from being separated from one's biological parents or primary caregivers," he said.
...