Dear Supporter, Ivan’s family has been devastated by gangs in Guatemala. I was heartbroken when I recently heard his story from my colleague in Mexico. Only one of Ivan’s four sons has survived the brutality of criminal gangs, called maras, which is destroying lives across Northern Central America. His eldest son, still only a teenager, was shot on his way home from work one day, explains Ivan. “Then they started harassing my next oldest son. One day he didn’t come back. They killed him. Two bullets.” Your support is urgently needed to protect vulnerable children and families on the run from this horrific violence. Please donate and help give Ivan’s family a chance to rebuild their lives today. When it became clear the maras had begun targeting Ivan’s youngest son, the family left that day, with only the clothes they were wearing. The family were robbed on their journey, then they were mistakenly locked up in a detention centre for migrants, unaware of their right to seek asylum. “The detention was torture,” Ivan says. “We were fleeing from the maras, but then found ourselves in a place where they also have access. It was dangerous.” UNHCR discovered Ivan and his family in the detention centre and worked with the local authorities to have them released. UNHCR then supported the family with emergency shelter in a safe location. With escalating numbers fleeing, thousands of families and children remain highly vulnerable as they search for safety and survive each day. Help Ivan and families like his who are running for their lives, today. Your gift can help UNHCR protect these families with: Food and lodging at a long-term shelter Stability and safety, free from the threats of gangs and violence Psychological support to help traumatised children Essential legal services and information about their rights Together, we can help give families like Ivan’s urgent and safe shelter today. Thank you, Naomi Steer
National Director P.S. The hope of these children’s futures lies in our hands. If you haven’t already responded to my request for support, I am asking you to consider helping now. | 