Homicide is largest cause of death for 10-19 year old boys in many Latin American and Carribbean countries.
A UNICEF report released Thursday has shone a light on the ongoing violence, including homicide, towards children worldwide, with shocking findings for Latin America and the Caribbean.
At least 27 children and teenagers are killed for every 100,000 people in El Salvador, making it the most violent country for children in the world according to the “Hidden in broad daylight” report.
In addition, 33 percent of Salvadorean female teenagers ages 15 to 19 have suffered physical, emotional, or sexual violence from their partners, while at least 43 percent of Salvadorean school children have suffered bullying in the form of robbery, insults, threats, or physical aggression before finishing primary school.
“This is uncomfortable data, which no government nor parent would like to see.” said Anthony Lake, UNICEF’s Executive Director, in the press release.
Most worryingly, homicide is the “leading cause of death among males between 10 and 19 years old in Panama, Venezuela, El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Guatemala and Colombia.”
The study gathered data about violence against children and teenagers -anyone under 20 years old- from 190 countries, highlighting the immense impact that it has on their lives. The report forms part of UNICEF child violence awareness initiative #ENDviolence.
Caption: A 6-year-old Nicaraguan rape survivor jumps rope at the Nidia White Women’s Centre which provides shelter for children and women who have experienced sexual exploitation or other forms of abuse (Photo: UNICEF)
