ON THEIR OWN: Protecting the Rights of Immigrant Children
The Fourth Annual Conference on Unaccompanied Immigrant Children
October 7-9, 2009 Washington, D.C.
Hosted by The National Center for Refugee & Immigrant Children of USCRI
The conference brings together legal advocates from both private and nonprofit organizations, government representatives, and policy makers across the country to examine current challenges, best practices, and policies that impact the lives of unaccompanied immigrant children. In addition, it provides an excellent opportunity for advocates to learn more about legal issues facing immigrant children, build useful skills, and brainstorm new ideas on ways to further the protection of unaccompanied immigrant children in the United States.
Registration Is Closed
Day 1: Embassy of Finland 3301 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC 20008 (best accessed via taxi)
Day 2 and 3: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 1779 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC 20036 (best accessed via Dupont Metro stop)
HBO Documentary "Which Way Home" will be screened during a reception at the Embassy of Finland.
Of the thousands of Latin American migrants traveling through Mexico with the hope of reaching the United States, approximately five percent are unaccompanied children. Director Rebecca Cammisa follows several such children on their grueling but ever-hopeful journey north. Kevin and Fito have fled their small town in search of greater opportunities in America. José set out for the States but was quickly apprehended and now languishes in the bureaucratic process of deportation back to Honduras. These are just a few of the true stories of young children undertaking the brutal odyssey from Latin America to the United States, never letting their dire circumstances overtake their youthful exuberance.
