A/72/275 environment becomes particularly important. Respect for family unity and special protection in the event of separation were strong recommendations from the consultation when children travel with their family, and with regard to ensuring that any request for family reunification is considered in a posi tive, humane and expeditious manner, as required by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In this area, important legislative developments in Latin America were acknowledged. Several countries in that region have formally recognized the protection of family life for all migrants, including children, and in some cases a humanitarian visa or resident permit may be issued for the purpose of family reunification. 62. As highlighted by the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, 11 the responsibility for the care of children on the move needs to be promptly entrusted to national child protection authorities rather than left to border or security officials. To be effective, child protection systems dealing with children on the move n eed to be cohesive and well resourced, with quality services and well -trained staff having the skills to meaningfully interview and communicate with children, understand and address risks and promote resilience. This needs to be supported by effective inte ragency collaboration among all relevant government departments, as well as by cross-border and regional cooperation, to promote durable solutions and a continuity of care while preventing the risk of children being revictimized. 63. Independent national children’s rights institutions play a critical role in monitoring children’s protection, providing confidential counselling, reporting incidents of violence and taking action to fight impunity. One important concern these institutions have voiced has been the detention of migrant and asylum-seeking children, who are at times locked up in overcrowded facilities with unrelated adults. This increases the risk of harassment and abuse, while failing to give due consideration to children’s best interests and to non-custodial alternatives, including family-based care solutions. 64. Consolidating data and evidence on the situation of children on the move is essential to inform decisions on violence prevention and response. Listening to children’s voices is also essential. 65. As a contribution to this effort, the Office of the Special Representative and UNICEF conducted an online opinion survey to capture the views of young people about children on the move. Violence was identified as a serious concern. According to preliminary findings in Latin America, 36 per cent of those surveyed believed that violence was the main cause of children fleeing their country; over half of those who responded considered that violence, abuse and exploitation were the hardest challenges faced, while 24 per cent listed sexual violence as the top concern. When questioned about what Governments should do, half of those surveyed said that the living conditions in countries of origin should be improved; 19 per cent of those surveyed indicated that children should be allowed to stay in the country of destination; and only 3 per cent identified deportation as an appropriate measure. 66. Children’s freedom from violence is an ethical and a legal imperative that cannot be met with complacency. With international standards serving as a guide, it is crucial to safeguard the rights of all children who fall under the jurisdiction of the state, including asylum-seeking, refugee, migrant and stateless children. The development of the global compacts on refugees and migration presents a strategic opportunity to promote the strengthening of child protection institutions, safeguard children’s care and safety, promote durable solutions, rapidly identify and address risks, and fight impunity. __________________ 11 10/18 General Assembly resolution 71/1. 17-13267