Silent Suffering: The Rights of Migrant Girls at Risk in Chile

This communication explores the violation of the rights of migrant girls in Chile from a gender perspective and a rights-based approach. It analyses the case of immigrants Venezuelan girls currently living under protection in southern chilean city, after having been victims of family and community violence both in their country of origin and in the migration context. The gender approach is fundamental to understanding how the intersection of childhood and the feminisation of migration exposes these girls to specific forms of violence and exclusion.
From a rights-based approach, the Chilean institutional response is examined, addressing the capacity of the child protection system to restore the rights of these girls. Forced migration, especially in cases of trafficking and exploitation, is seen to aggravate the vulnerability of migrant girls, while social and legal structures often fail to provide an adequate and timely response. This analysis also includes a critique of existing public policies and their limited adequacy to the specific needs of migrant children.
Based on this case, the research question is formulated as follows: How can a rights-based approach and a gender perspective strengthen protection policies for migrant girls who are vulnerable in the family environment?

The findings suggest the need to implement gender-sensitive public policies that recognise the double vulnerability of migrant girls and adopt measures for their comprehensive protection. It also highlights the importance of greater intersectoral coordination to guarantee the fulfilment of children's rights, as established in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Visibility of migrant girls’ situations is crucial to addressing their unique challenges and rights violations. Shedding light on their experiences amplifies their voices and fosters public awareness, driving advocacy for policy changes. Empowering these girls fosters recognition of their rights and agency, understood as child agency, by promoting support systems that prioritise their well-being.