FOLLOWING THE ROUTE OF MIGRANT CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS FROM EL SALVADOR Did you know that migration of children and adolescents from El Salvador has increased in the last years? More than half (55%) travel without the company of an adult, and on their way, they are exposed to different kinds of violence: physical and sexual, human trafficking, exploitation and robbery. Moreover, the borders are constantly watched and children and adolescents are likely to be detained and returned to their countries of origin.
This is why it is important for you to know the risks of migrating and how to act in case you have to return.
Luis, do you know why children and adolescents choose to migrate?
Yes, Gabriela, due to a lack of educational and job opportunities, poverty and gang violence.
They say that it is better to travel undocumented, because if you get caught with your documents they will know where you are from. Is that true?
Is it true that if women take young children with them it is easier to enter the United states?
Amalia, tell us which are the real conditions fo the route. What can happen on the way?
That is wrong. Some people stay en shelters and reception camps for months, waiting for their nationality to be confirmed.
Neither do migration policies exist which facilitate the entry to the United States for young children.
There are many dangers.You can feel exhausted, hungry, cold, get ill or spend days without sleeping. Moreover, you are exposed to networks for human trafficking, organ trafficking, exploitation, and physical and/or sexual violence.
Every day, 85 children and adolescents are returned. It is important to remember that the probability of detention by the authorities of the transit or destination countries is high.
I tried leaving twice.The second time was two years ago, with a coyote.We were arrested in the hotel, close to the border.We were locked into a small van:“the kennel”.We were held in a small room full of people of all nationalities; later, they separated me from my brother and mother.They transferred us to “the yard” one day and one night.
These are the institutions which cater to the needs of returned children and guarantee their rights.
What can we do in case of return?
Governmental Institutions
The Center for Comprehensive Care for Migrant Children and Adolescent and their Families (CANAF)
If you return to your country, you have access to various services offered by the state.
Directorate-General for Migration and Foreigners (DGME) National Council for Children and Adolescents (CONNA) Salvadoran Institute for Integrated Development of Children and Adolescents (ISNA) Center for Comprehensive Care for Migrant Children and Adolescent and their Families (CANAF)
Guarantees the rights of migrant children and adolescents with systematic and organized actions in their family and community environment to improve their protection.
Services provided by CANAF Psychological and social care, legal consulting, health, arts and culture, leisure and sports, family strengthening.
Requirements for joining CANAF: a) Being a child or adolescents. b) Having gone through an unsafe migration process. c) Coming from one of the department where CANAF is present: San Miguel, Usulután. d) Being covered by a means of protection or applying for voluntary incorporation into CANAF.
Procedure of care for returned children and adolescents
My mother contacted a local organization which explained her our options.
Gabi, how did you manage to reintegrate into your community?
* Salvadoran Institute for Integrated Development of Children and Adolescents (ISNA).
The reincorporation into my community was not easy, but eventyally I managed to join the state program of CANAF which gave me the opportunity to continue studying. Other returned children and adolescents do not have the same opportunity and due to the violence in their communities they try to cross the border with the United States again. It is good for you to ask about your educational opportunities and the organizations in your community at the center for migrant care.
For all children and adolescents, the same opportunities must be created, taking into account the different situations which they are confronted with upon their return.