Media CenterCRS to Senate: Violence Is Driving Surge in Unaccompanied Children
Catholic Relief Services' Rick Jones, the deputy regional director for Global Solidarity and Justice for Latin American and the Caribbean, testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs today on the current spike of unaccompanied Central American children fleeing violence and crossing into other Central American countries and the United States, creating a refugee situation. In his testimony, Jones states:
"Increasing desperation has led many families, youth and children to the inevitable conclusion that they have no choice but to flee. They are primarily fleeing violence, not poverty. They aren’t just coming to the United States; in fact, other Central American countries have experienced a 712% increase in asylum claims between 2008-2013. We are witnessing the results of the drug war and gangs: child refugees."
Read Rick Jones' full testimony.
Rick Jones currently resides in El Salvador. To arrange for an interview, contact Jossie Sapunar or 410-951-7341. Pope Francis also released a statement this week urging protection for unaccompanied children.
Additional resources:
Child Migration study referred to in Jones' testimony
Statement by Pope Francis on the situation of unaccompanied children
Digital and Social Media Manager
Based in Baltimore, MD
As the digital and social media manager, Jim oversees Catholic Relief Services’ social media channels, shoots photos and video, and uses digital and visual tools for creative storytelling. He also manages the CRS Newswire, which provides a range of information related to poverty and development....More
