Protecting children on the move: the story of Karla and her children

When *Karla left Caracas with her family, she carried with her the hope of finding a place where her children, ages 1 and 12, could grow up safely. They first arrived in Colombia and later in Peru, where they tried to rebuild their lives. But the peace didn’t last long.

“We left Peru because they started extorting us, so we decided to travel to the United States,” she recalls.

Like thousands of families on the move across Latin America and the Caribbean, violence and lack of opportunities forced Karla to migrate once again. However, something unexpected happened along the way: she arrived in Guatemala pregnant, and her health deteriorated rapidly.

“I fainted, and they told me I couldn’t continue my journey because, with the pregnancy, I could die on the way. I was at risk of miscarriage,” she says.

In a matter of hours, reaching her destination was no longer her priority. The most important thing was protecting her life and her children’s lives. That was when she arrived at Casa del Migrante San José, where she found a place to rest and feel safe.

“For me, it meant peace of mind and understanding. I felt welcomed here; I felt protected.”

While Karla received the care she needed, her children were able to do something that had been impossible for a long time: play.

“This space was a blessing. The children have a play area, they have food, rooms to sleep in, and we’re no longer exposed on the street. Seeing a smile on their faces again was the most important thing. Their little faces completely changed.”

From January to June 2026, more than 8,700 people have passed through Guatemala. Along the way, they face risks such as violence, exploitation, family separation, and harm to their physical and emotional health. Having protective spaces where they can rest, play, receive care, and access specialized services can make a decisive difference for their well-being and development.

“If God gives me the greatest blessing of my life, the first thing I would do is come back to help other migrants to keep moving forward,” says Karla.

With the support of the Government of Japan, UNICEF works alongside the Government of Guatemala and civil society organizations to strengthen protection services for children and adolescents on the move. So far, more than 900 children and adolescents have been assisted at Casa del Migrante.