Life Stories
Inspiring stories about children and their families.
- Español
- English
News
Stories about early childhood
Stories about adolescents and young people
Stories about child protection
Stories about migration
Causes of migration
In the northern Central American countries (Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras) and in Mexico, gang-related violence, organized crime, extortion, poverty, family reunification, limited access to social services and quality education are part of the daily lives of millions of children. Every day, families facing these harsh conditions make the difficult decision to leave their homes, communities and countries in pursuit of safety and a better future. Some move around their region, but others go north, to Mexico or the United States.
Migratory routes and dangers
Many children trying to escape desperate situations in their countries of origin face numerous additional problems and traumas when they choose irregular migration routes. These children are forced to undertake a long and uncertain journey in which they risk falling prey to traffickers or other criminals, getting lost on a mountain pass or in the desert, and suffering from dehydration while trying to avoid the authorities. We cannot leave migrant children aside; their rights are not limited by borders, and it is our duty to protect their hopes and dreams.
Detention and consular assistance in Mexico
Many children are intercepted during their migratory journey or upon reaching their destination, where they can be detained and sent back to their countries of origin. In that case, it is very likely that all the factors that forced them to migrate (violence, poverty, lack of opportunities, stigmatization, social exclusion and internal displacement) will intensify. A child is a child, regardless of the reason why she or he decides to migrate, where she or he comes from, where she or he is or how she or he got there. All girls, boys and adolescents deserve protection, care and all the support and services they need for their development.
Detention and consular assistance in the United States
Many children are intercepted during their migratory travel or upon reaching their destination, where they can be detained and sent back to their countries of origin. In that case, it is very likely that all the factors that forced them to migrate (violence, poverty, lack of opportunities, stigmatization, social exclusion and internal displacement) will intensify. Children are children, regardless of the reason why they decide to migrate, where they come from, where they are or how they got there. All girls, boys and adolescents deserve protection, care and all the support and services they need for their development. Este párrafo es repetición del anterior.
Deportation and reception in Guatemala
Many girls and boys are detained in Mexico and the United States and are sent back to their countries of origin. In that case, it is very likely that all the factors that forced them to migrate (violence, poverty, lack of opportunities, stigmatization, social exclusion and internal displacement) will intensify. A child is a child, regardless of the reason why she or he decides to migrate, where she or he comes from, where she or he is or how she or he got there. Every boy, girl and adolescent deserve protection, care and all the support and services necessary for her or his development.