Over 2,000 migrant children in Central American ‘caravan’ need protection, UNICEF says

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 27 (APP):As some 7,000 mostly-Honduran migrants continue their journey northwards toward the United States, governments must prioritize the needs of migrant children when it comes to applying immigration laws and procedures, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said Friday.
Highlighting the vulnerability of children on the move, the agency advised all transit and destination countries, to consider alternatives to immigration detention.
According to the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), thousands of men, women, and children, including unaccompanied children, are still making their way through Mexico toward the southern border of the US to seek asylum.
Their journey is arduous, especially when opting for irregular migration routes. The dangers of inclement weather, including soaring temperatures and lack of shelter are high, especially for children, according to UN agencies.
Some have already fallen ill or are suffering from dehydration, UNICEF said, while the danger of extortion by criminal smuggling gangs, or threats of robbery and sexual violence are also present; perils from which many are already fleeing.
UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards told reporters in Geneva earlier this week that transit and destination countries must consider their human rights obligations ahead of immigration status.
“UNHCR would like to remind countries along this route that this caravan is likely to include people in real danger,” Edwards said.
“In any situation like this it is essential that people have the chance to request asylum and have their international protection needs properly assessed, before any decision on return or deportation is made.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has threatened to shut the US-Mexican border, saying he would “call up” the military if Mexico fails to “stop this onslaught.”