Migration Office of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and International Organization for Migration (IOM) as the members of the National Contact Point of the European Migration Network (EMN) for the Slovak Republic organized a small scale meeting “How to Approach Children in the Migration Process: Collaboration among Stakeholders” that took place on 22nd November 2023 in Bratislava. The meeting provided space for sharing experience on procedures, good practices and challenges related to strategies when approaching and communicating with children during the migration process.
During the meeting, participants delved into crucial topics such as navigating the complexities of working with children during the migration process, refining strategies for effective client engagement, and creating secure environments that prioritize the well-being and safety of all individuals involved.
The participants got familiar with the Ethical Code, which shed light on the moral principles that guide our interactions not only with clients but also with fellow professionals. The discussions around sensitive handling of information underscored the importance of confidentiality and responsible information management. Emphasising safety as the foundation of communication, participants gained insights into creating secure environments, especially, but not limited, when working with children. Lastly, the introduction to multidisciplinary cooperation offered a comprehensive overview, fostering a shared understanding of the benefits and challenges inherent in collaborative efforts across different professional domains. The meeting served as a valuable platform for participants to broaden their knowledge, exchange experiences, and strengthen their collective commitment to ethical and effective practices in their respective fields.
Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023
The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Migration Office of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family as well as its branch in Stropkov, Bureau of Border and Foreign Police of the Presidium of the Police Force, Refugee Facilities Administration of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, non-governmental organisations Slovak Humanitarian Council and The Center for Inclusive Education, Center for Children and Families Medzilaborce, The Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology, Comenius University, Institute for Dialogical Practices; and IOM Slovakia.