Minors Flee Central American Violence

[DeSwiss]

Published on Oct 27, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish

More and more minors are making the long journey from Central America through Mexico and on to the US - alone.

Though these children are constantly threatened on their long journey to the US, violence is nothing new. Criminal gangs operate with impunity throughout much of Central America - making it one of the most dangerous regions in the world.

Women are the most vulnerable of these migrants and can face rape and kidnapping at the hands of drug cartels who frequently try to extort migrants, or worse.

In their home countries, gangs target children and try to force them to join. Children have described body parts being left on their doorstep as a reminder that if they don't join, this is what could happen.

Experts say this is one reason why so many are fleeing - even while realising that the possibility they won't survive the trip is very real.

Al Jazeera's Rachel Levin reports from Tenosique, Mexico.

- Another war casualty.......



[center]Raise your glass to the hard working people
Let's drink to the uncounted heads
Let's think of the wavering millions
Who need leaders but get gamblers instead

-- "Salt of the Earth," The Rolling Stones
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