Childhood social protection in human mobility contexts: Post-pandemic challenges in Argentina

Abstract

This study examines the challenges in social protection for children in migratory contexts following the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on barriers to accessing state programs such as the Universal Child Allowance (AUH) and the Emergency Family Income (IFE). Through a critical review of academic literature, public reports, and national/international regulations and jurisprudence, it was found that despite the recognition and consolidation of protection standards for migrant children and adolescents (NNA), bureaucratic obstacles persist (e.g., requirements for specific identity documents, minimum residency periods, or particular residency statuses), limiting their access to social programs. Evidence also shows how the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing inequalities and highlighted structural and historical inclusion issues, exposing the contradiction between the universalist discourse of social policies and exclusionary administrative practices based on migratory status. Key conclusions emphasize the urgent need to eliminate discriminatory requirements, to expedite migration regularization processes, and to ensure accessible information. These factors continue to widen the native-foreigner gap in rights access, further hindering comprehensive protection for migrant children.