Violence, gangs and crippling poverty have driven families like 12-year old Jose*'s to seek safety in the U.S.
How to Help Migrant Children at the U.S. Southern Border
All children deserve to be protected from harm. The health of our children is only possible when each and every one is protected. And yet, far too many children and families have had their rights violated while seeking asylum in the United States.Ìý
Families and unaccompanied children crossing the border must be protected and processed safely in the United States. Being forced to remain in camps and shelters in Mexico puts already vulnerable families at even greater risk.
Here are three ways that you can get involved in the call to help vulnerable children at the U.S. Southern Border:
1. Learn About Why Migrant Children are Seeking Asylum
There is not one specific reason why migrant children and families choose to flee their homesÌýand seek asylum in the U.S. Instead, it involves a complex mix of social and economic factors. Violence, brutal gangs and entrenched poverty are among the top reasons migrants cite for seeking safety and protection.Ìý
Latin America has the highest child homicide rates in the world, nearly four times the global average.[i] In 2020, two devastating hurricanes, Hurricane Eta and Hurricane Iota, ravaged Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, leaving hundreds of thousands of people displaced.
On August 14, 2021, Haiti was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake. With many children and families in Haiti already experiencing extreme poverty, hunger,Ìýand violence, the earthquake was a devastating blow.ÌýEven before the quake,Ìýan estimated 160,000 peopleÌýin Les CayesÌýwere already struggling to get enough food every day, with almostÌý40,000 peopleÌýon the verge of famine.
2. Speak Up About the Rights of Migrant Families and Children Looking to Seek Asylum in the U.S.
As children’s rights continue to be violated at the border, »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵcannot and will not remain silent.
Influx facilities used to house migrant children upon their arrival to the U.S. are no places for a child. Some facilities that hold unaccompanied children are overcrowded and may lack access to adequate hygiene, legal and health services, putting children at risk of harm.
»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵis helping meet the urgent needs of children and families by providing cash and critical supplies to a network of more than 35 shelters and social service agencies, and we are advocating for children’s rights, humane treatment and care.ÌýÌý
You can join us.
Together with our advocacy partner, Ìý(SCAN), we have mobilized our advocates to write more than half-a-million messages to the Administration and Congress, speaking out against violations of children’s rights at the border.Ìý Our work will continue as long as children’s rights aren’t fully realized or protected.
3. Support Our Work for Migrant Children at the U.S.-Mexico Border
»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵdoes not choose sides – we choose children and will always work to uphold and protect their rights in any crisis or circumstance. Here are 2 ways you can help migrant children and families at the U.S. Southern Border:
- Donate to the : Your donation today will help usÌýmeet the urgent needs of children and families.ÌýÌý
- : Comfort kits, including warm blankets, hygiene supplies and backpacks with school materials help these children feel safe and calm emotional distress, while also helping them prepare for and look forward to returning to school.
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