As I write, thousands of children are running for their lives.

Children in Northern Central America are suffering at the hands of violent gangs. They have fled for their lives to Mexico, hoping for safety – hoping to survive.

In Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, criminal syndicates known as maras are targeting children for recruitment, forcing them into a life of violent crime.
The threats can begin when children are as young as five or six and the gangsters use violence and extortion to hold their families to ransom. Refusing to cooperate with the maras is often akin to a death sentence.

The number of people fleeing for their lives from gang violence in Northern Central America has grown ten times in just five years. This is a crisis that has been quietly building and cannot be ignored.

Faced with no other choice, these children and their families are on the run - looking for safety. Some children are so desperate to escape the violence, they are forced to flee alone.

UNHCR is ready and uniquely situated in the region to protect and assist them, but needs your support. UNHCR is providing:  

• Child-friendly shelters where families can find safety and protection
• Safe spaces for children to learn and play without fear
• Psychological support for children traumatised by violence and a horrific journey to safety 
• Legal services and information