Dangerous migration in Latin America due to poverty, insecurity and political conflicts continues to increase, especially among children and adolescents. According to data provided by UNICEF, it is estimated that in the Darien jungle alone, on the border between Colombia and Panama, 800,000 people will cross in 2024, 160,000 of which will be under 18 years of age. Based on the regional context and the trends observed in the first four months of 2024, the majority of these minors will likely require humanitarian assistance.
To help Venezuelan migrant minors in Medellín, Colombia, the city mayor's office and World Vision joined forces and promoted spaces for regularization for them. World Vision is a non-governmental organization that promotes the protection of children based on Christian values and principles.
The initiative aims to provide stability and access to fundamental rights to a vulnerable population, helping the integration and protection of thousands of young people in the city. Through the “Hope without Borders” initiative, World Vision redoubles its efforts to provide assistance and protection to children and refugees, in collaboration with local communities and government authorities.
“This year, 30,000 children and adolescents have been registered in transit, and almost 2,000 of them were separated from their families or unaccompanied. In addition, the number of minors in transit is increasing at a rate five times higher than that of adults,” said World Vision International.
According to the most recent Migration Colombia report (February 2024), it is estimated that in the department of Antioquia, there are about 391,582 Venezuelan migrants, which corresponds to 13.76% of the Venezuelan migrant population in Colombia; among these, 239,479 are in the city of Medellin. The city's Secretary of Education reported that more than 14,000 Venezuelan children and adolescents enrolled in educational institutions do not have their Temporary Protection Permit (PPT), which poses a significant risk to their protection.
In this context, World Vision implemented a new strategy to support the regularization of Venezuelan migrant children and adolescents in the region. The initiative is part of a broader effort to provide stability and access to essential services to this vulnerable population. Since 2019, the organization has worked in partnership with local communities, government authorities and faith-based organizations to address the most urgent needs and protect the rights of the most vulnerable.
The main objective of the strategy developed in Colombia is to support school-aged minors who do not yet have their Registro Único de Migrantes Venezolanos or access to their PPT. This effort is focused on regularization in Medellin and its metropolitan area, with a specific emphasis on the school community.
“Due to the growing migration crisis that Latin America is facing, it is crucial that the international community unites in solidarity and support for migrant children and adolescents. As defenders of children's rights, we urge governments, civil organizations, businesses and citizens to take concrete steps to protect and support those in vulnerable situations,” said World Vision in Colombia.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
