A few weeks ago, about 4,000 migrants fled Honduras in a desperate attempt to escape poverty and violence. As of this writing, the caravan has since splintered into groups and is still hundreds of miles away from the U.S., but we do know that many of those in the caravan are children—some with their parents and some without.
The countries of what’s known as the Northern Triangle—El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras—experience levels of crime that make many communities extremely dangerous, especially for children. As a result, it’s hard for children to feel safe, and the situation can feel hopeless for them and their families.
They might see no choice but to flee, which unfortunately, could also be unsafe. In particular, children on the move are especially vulnerable to violence. (Read our report, “Displaced: On the Road to Somewhere” to learn more about the violence these children face on their journeys and what can be done to end it).
At World Vision, our hope for every child is life in all its fullness – that means access to safety, health, and opportunities. That’s why we work in all three Northern Triangle countries with children, parents, pastors, and community leaders to create safe and protective environments for children. And because we work in hundreds of communities in Latin America, we understand the violence and sense of hopelessness that is driving families to leave their homes.
As World Vision U.S. President and CEO Edgar Sandoval said in a statement to staff, “No matter what culture or country you are from, the concept of ‘home’ is the same. Nobody wants to leave their home unless they have to. People make the dangerous journey because they feel they must.”
Let’s show compassion as we pray for these families on the move – all of whom are children of God, many of whom are brothers and sisters in Christ – who had to make a difficult choice to leave home to set out on a challenging journey.
Please also pray for the continued World Vision programs that address the root causes of poverty and violence. Progress there can prevent unsafe migration from happening in the future and protect children from the violence they encounter at home and on the journey elsewhere.
Photo: Baby sleeps next to her mother’s outdoor vending stall, on the street in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. ©2018 World Vision/photo by Jon Warren.
I am questioning how many of these are Children? I’ve heard reports that 90-95 % are males.
I want to help children…….
Please verify Facts of who is in this caravan.
Thank you.
Thank you for your question, Sally. UNICEF reports an estimated 2,300 children are traveling with the migrant caravan: https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/estimated-2300-children-traveling-migrant-caravan-mexico-need-protection-and
I believe this Caravan is part of the world wide refugee situation we are facing. Millions fleeing from Africa and dying in the Mediterranean as they try to make their way to safety in Europe. Thousands fleeing the Middle East also trying to make their way to Europe, and as the Caravan proves, thousands fleeing political corruption and violence in Central America those people trying to make their way to the US and Canada. I am well aware that similar migratory exoduses happened after WW1 and WW2,now it is our turn to deal with a similar humanitarian crisis. I am also not blind to the fact that Mexico and the US are home to the worlds richest oligarchs and many lesser financials all hiding their assets overseas (i.e., the Panama papers). Now, that a refugee crisis in on my border, I ask my government and my faith community to just deal, except, and find these people shelter. We have the unfilled jobs, we have the land, we have the spirit and love to just take these people in. And any criminal elements or terrorists among them will surface soon enough and we will deal and expel as required. These people joined that caravan for safety in numbers and to just prevent rape, robbery, and murder along the way. And I applaud the poor and former migrants along their path that have fed them, that have sheltered them and spurred them on. That, to me, has been Mexico’s finest hour and a tribute to what is left of the the Catholic ethos of caring for the poor and needy. The Catholic church worldwide is under siege due to so many mistakes and abuses, but I am grateful that their remaining faithful and churches just stepped up big time to take care of the caravan as it made its way El Norte. Europe and Asia dealt with mass migration in previous eras; it is now North America’s time to do the same.
Amen well said