Child Migration

The number of lone child migrants and the complex threats they face are increasing

A child moving away from home alone to find work or to escape conflict is not a new phenomenon. But the number of lone child migrants and the complex threats they face are increasing.

Caritas is worried on their behalf. They are in great danger, in many cases facing intense psychological pressure to succeed and to provide for their families back home.

Child migrants must navigate an unfamiliar country, language, and culture by themselves. Often they do now know their rights or the true extent of the risk of abduction and abuse which they face. They can be exploited, underpaid and underfed and rarely have a chance to go to school or to play. Organized criminal gangs can menace their lives, and those of their families back home.

Caritas organisations work to make sure these children can get help. They offer safe places to stay, with medical assistance and learning opportunities. They try to reunite children with their families.

Caritas also advocates and campaigns on behalf of child migrants – calling on governments not to detain them as illegal aliens in prison-like conditions intended for the adults they are not. Caritas insists they are treated as children under the law.

@IamCaritas helps migrant children with food, shelter, education, legal help and guidance.

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Prayer for Migrant Children

Loving Father, in your infinite compassion, we seek your divine protection for refugee children who are often alone and afraid.
Provide solace to those who have been witnesses to violence and destruction, who have lost parents, family, friends, home, and all they cherish due to war or persecution.
Comfort them in their sorrow, and bring help in their time of need.
For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

© 2009 USCCB, Washington D.C
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Caritas asks governments to protect the rights of child migrants

Caritas Updates on Child Migration

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How Caritas works on Migration & Human Trafficking
Caritas addresses the issues around migration directly. It works to advise and protect all migrants – men, women and children – to prevent trafficking and abuse. Caritas advocates for the rights of domestic workers – who are often migrants – and for proper legal protection for all people who move to find work and security. Learn more.
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