The impact of COVID-19 on migrant children in Trinidad and Tobago

Prepared by the UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area in association with the USAID, Caribbean.

Highlights

This paper examines the main risks faced by the migrant children in Trinidad and Tobago and the exacerbating impact of COVID-19 outbreak due to: i) disruption to education, ii) rising unemployment, iii) risks to mental health and safety, and iv) to child nutrition and health.

For example, the impact resulting from the disruption to education can be worsened if opportunities for home learning are limited or absent; while increased time at home and rising unemployment (estimated to increase from 33% to 52% among migrants) can cause family tensions and deterioration of nutritional status.

The paper recommends that the effectiveness of existing programmes targeted at migrant children should be enhanced through increased quality and coverage, improved sustainability, strengthened coordination and partnerships, and continuous monitoring.

Although the paper was developed in July 2020 when the Government was actively pursuing the gradual reopening (which is attesting to how much the situation can change in 3 weeks), the recommended measures are relevant today and in anticipation of the resumption when the conditions permit.