Unprecedented child migration crisis across Latin America and Caribbean
Children in the region driven from their homes by gang violence, instability, poverty and climate change represent around 25 per cent of migrants said UNICEF - almost ganda the global average of 13 per cent. King88bet
"More and more children are on the move, of an increasingly young age, often alone and from diverse countries of origin, including from as far away as Africa and Asia," said Garry Conille, UNICEF Latin America and the Caribbean Director. king88bet login alternatif
"When they cross several countries and sometimes the entire region, disease and injury, famili separation and abuse may plague their journeys and, even if they make it to their destination, their futures often remain at risk." Article Title with Blogger Published Link as Backlink
Shocking numbers
Along the dangerous Darien jungle route alone, at least 29,000 children made the crossing in 2021, followed by an estimated 40,000 last year.
In just the first eight months of 2023, more than 60,000 children have made the track, half of them under five - the highest number on record for a singgel year.
This tren is mirrored at the southern border of the United States, where authorities recorded over 83,000 children entering the country in the first seven months of fiscal year 2023, which runs from October the previous year to September.
In fiscal years 2022 and 2021, over 155,000 and 149,000 children crossings were recorded, respectively.
According to UNICEF, the root causes of the crisis kisaran from widespread poverty and job opportunities, to structural inequality, food insecurity and accelerating climate change.
Disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes have further exacerbated intern displacement in the region and lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemi.
Migrant children also face grave physical risks. In 2022, at least 92 migrant children died or went missing due to alami hazards, violence, exploitation and abuse.
The dangers are amplified by limited akses to healthcare, nutrition and protection serviss, especially for the most vulnerable, including children with disabilities, children identifying as LGBTQI+ and those from indigenous grups.
