AMERICA/BOLIVIA - The phenomenon of children abandoned in the streets and violence increases

Friday, 23 January 2015

Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) - According to the Service for Social Management (Sedeges) of the Government of Cochabamba, in the city there are over a thousand boys, girls and adolescents living on the streets. The problem dates back to 1986 when, as a result of government policies, thousands of workers were left unemployed. Despite the work of various NGOs and organizations dedicated to the support of people living in the street, this section of society continues to increase. In addition to marginalization, most of these children and teenagers inhale gasoline. The Archbishop Emeritus of Cochabamba, His Exc. Mgr. Tito Solari, has identified the phenomenon as one of the most serious. During his episcopal term the Musuj Runa Project was established, within the Commission for the exclusion and the Social Integration of the Social Pastoral of the Archdiocese. Over the past 10 years over a thousand children have been rescued. The successor of Mgr. Solari, Mgr. Oscar Aparicio, has pledged to continue to recover these children and to cooperate with state agencies. The problem of violence against children requires urgent attention, especially from the State. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 23/01/2015)


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