‘Migrant children research’

Nationality in Lebanon cannot be passed through the maternal line – children of mixed-nationality parents born in Lebanon can only be the fathers’. Female migrant workers are not allowed, in theory, to become pregnant or give birth in Lebanon, but of course some do. If the father (regardless of nationality) does not claim his paternity, then the child cannot claim a nationality, or be registered. No registration means no birth certificate, which means enrolment in school cannot be done, and no passport can be issued; effectively trapping the child in Lebanon with little opportunity for being formally educated.

Children of migrant mothers cannot leave the country without the permission of the father – even if the father acknowledges his paternity – there are also cases of documented children who are not ‘released’ by their fathers to travel to the home country of the mother.

The lack of permission, or the lack of documentation, effectively traps the mother in Lebanon as well, and if she lacks a residency permit (which she can only get by being sponsored in the kafala system), then she is trapped without the legal right to remain or work in Lebanon. This forces her into the casual ‘freelance’ labour market, in which, in the current economic conditions of the country, is increasingly difficult to earn sufficient income for dignified survival.

The exact number of undocumented migrant children is unknown. In 2008 it was estimated that there were between 2000 and 3000 of them in Lebanon[1]. It is assumed that the number of migrant children have risen since then. With single mothers needing to work, and unable to afford child care, and unable to put them into school, the situation of migrant children is assumed to be extremely vulnerable.

Concern is developing a partnership with 26 Letters, an organisation that specialises in providing holistic education to children regardless of their nationality or status. Their approach focuses on more than just literacy and numeracy, also focusing on social, emotional and life skills. They continue contact with the children through holidays, and also address some of the needs of their families in order to support an environment conducive to learning. They adapt all their teaching materials to each individual, and contextualise their approach to the specificities of language, culture and living conditions, while encouraging cross-cultural sharing and learning. They have adapted their approach for migrant communities, and Concern is seeking funding to support the establishment of a ‘migrant children’s school’.

To underpin this process, this research seeks to deepen the understanding of migrant children, and their immediate families, in order to identify entry points for assisting this highly vulnerable group of people, and for ensuring that the 26 Letters migrant children’s school is adapted to fit their needs and constraints.

 

 

Research question

“What is the situation of children of migrant workers and their immediate families?”

To answer this, the following sub-questions need to be asked.

Sub-questions

Numbers and locations

  • How many children of migrant workers are there? It is understood that a definitive number would be extremely difficult to determine, given that the total number of migrant workers in Lebanon is unknown, but a reasonably accurate estimate is needed. This needs to be disaggregated as much as possible, by sex, age group (0-2, 2-5, 5-12, 12-18), nationality and whether they are documented or undocumented
  • Where are they? Although Concern focuses its’ migrant protection programming in Beirut, and will be the focus of future programming targeting migrant children, other actors working on migrant rights would benefit from this information. It is hoped that while estimating the number of migrant children it would also be possible to determine where they are. In Beirut, it would be necessary to identify which parts of the city have the larger numbers of migrant children.

The legal context

  • What are the specific legal clauses or circulars that prevent migrant children from becoming documented?
  • Are there any mechanisms for registering them, even if the father is unknown or refuses to acknowledge his paternity?
  • What is the role of the migrant mother’s embassy or consulate in registering births and granting nationality?
  • Are there any CSOs or NGOs working on this issue? What are they doing?

The situation of migrant children

  • How are they cared for during the day?
  • How are they cared for during the night?
  • What is the condition of their accommodation?
  • Are any going to school (formal or informal), and if so, where? Are these options only available to some, and if so, who?
  • If they can’t go to school, or if the mother cannot afford day care, what do they do when the mother is out? Are there any care options that are being used by their parent(s)?
  • What is the difference in conditions between undocumented children of single mothers versus those that have both parents (whether migrant or of a Lebanese father) who may or may not be documented?
  • What is their dietary and nutritional status?
  • Are there any protection concerns identified, and what are they?
  • Are there any abandoned children? If so, where are they and what is their situation?

The situation of the mothers of migrant children

  • How are mothers approaching the challenge of bringing up their children? This needs to be disaggregated according to nationality, legal status of both the mother and child, and occupation (especially identifying the differences between freelancers and those living with their sponsors)
  • What are the additional needs of the mothers and how do these needs affect childcare? Focus on shelter, food, access to medical care and MHPSS, water and sanitation etc.

Conclusions and recommendations

  • Are there any broad patterns that can be identified, such as which nationalities are more or less likely to have undocumented children, are they more likely to be from freelancer mothers or those within the kafala system?
  • What are the main issues with regards to these children?
  • What are the main issues with regards to their mothers/families?
  • What are the main entry points for interventions aimed at assisting the children of migrants and their families?

Research methodology

The research will be conducted by a lead researcher (consultant) for a period of two months.

The researcher will be expected to submit a methodology for ethical review at the end of week one, which will detail the methodology in terms of questionnaire questions to be used, sampling techniques and a detailed timeline.

Broadly speaking, the first month will focus on secondary data review, key informant interviews with NGOs and CSOs working in child rights, child protection and migrant worker rights in Lebanon, including migrant-led initiatives. The second month will focus on interviews with mothers/family members of migrant children, home visits etc.; and report writing.

 

Oversight

A research steering committee will be formed consisting of 3 people – two from Concern (Beirut PC and assistant) and one from 26 Letters (TBD), who will meet on a fortnightly basis to:

  • Receive research updates and discuss the implications, guiding the research to maintain a degree of relevance for INGOs
  • Assess and modify research protocols ensuring that the ethics of research are maintained
  • Assist in accessing certain people if needed
  • Review and feedback of written materials including quantitative and qualitative questionnaires and final report

Research team

  • Lead researcher (consultant)
  • Numerators can be organised if needed up to a maximum of 4 people for 3 weeks – they will be sourced from 26 Letters or from the migrant communities themselves, and paid a casual labour fee for their hours. To be agreed by the steering committee prior to recruiting them.

Expected outputs

  • Inception report for review by steering committee. Due at end of week 1 of the process. To include methodology, detailed work plan and questionnaires for review by the steering committee who will assess both in terms of research rigour and ethical considerations.
  • Interim report: all secondary information, including the international dimension. Due at end of week 3 of the process. 1 round of review will follow by the steering committee in week 4.
  • Final report: combining secondary information analysis (interim report), analysis of primary information collection, combined analysis, and recommendations for implementation by Concern and 26 Letters. Due at end of week 7 of the process. 1 round of review will follow by the steering committee at the beginning of week 8, with enough time to address comments and finalise the report.
 

[1] Child Rights Situation Analysis for Lebanon. Save the Children, 2008

How to apply

Interested consultants and/or service providers must submit their bids by sending an email to [email protected] by 07/06/2021 at midnight. The bids must include the following:

  • Proof of work on implementing previous work of similar projects.
  •  CV of the consultant 
  • Quotation including consultancy fees
  • A detailed work plan 
Expired
Deadline
Sunday, 15. Aug 2021
Type of Call
Call for Consultancies
Intervention Sector(s):
Human Rights & Protection
Remuneration range:
2000 to 3000 (USD)
Duration of Contract:
2 months