Uprooted in Central America and Mexico
Every day, children and families from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico leave their homes and communities to set off on the perilous journey northward. Driven by the threat of violence and desperation of poverty, they risk their lives for the promise of a better future. Along the way they face the constant threat of exploitation or…, Crisis at a glance, Why are families from northern Central America and Mexico migrating northward?, The decision to leave is often shaped by multiple factors. For many families, migration to Mexico and the United States is the only path they can imagine to escape the torment of extreme poverty. Others are driven by the pervasive threat of violence in their countries, lack of educational opportunities for children, and a desire to reunite with…, What is the migration journey like?, Without the means to access safe and regular migration pathways, many of the region’s poorest and most disadvantaged families take dangerous informal routes. Unaccompanied children and women are at the greatest risk – they are easy prey to traffickers, criminals, gangs, security forces and others who abuse, exploit or even kill them. Children may…, What happens when they are sent back?, For migrant children and families, reintegrating safely back into their communities is more complicated than simply being sent home. Families frequently find themselves in debt, unable to earn back the money they spent to finance the journey. Children endure the immense psychological stress of being separated, detained and deported to a country…, How is UNICEF helping?, UNICEF is working with partners and governments in northern Central America to protect the rights and safety of migrant children. Our response is manifold: focusing on improving the lives of children and families whose circumstances force them to consider migrating; protecting their safety along the migration journey; and supporting programmes…, Fast facts, Northern Central America contains some of the world’s most violent countries that are not engaged in active warfare. El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras are among the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere., The perilous journey north, Map of migration routes from Central America through Mexico, Voices of migrant children, A boy stands with his father, Guatemala Silhouette of a girl, El Salvador, UNICEF's response, UNICEF is working at every point along the migration journey to help address the root causes of migration, the risks along the way, and the challenges of reintegration. To help the region’s children and young people escape the cycle of poverty and disadvantage, UNICEF works with governments and partners to expand access to basic services like…, Learn more
