Save the Children CEO: 'We Must Protect Children At The Border'

Statement from Carolyn Miles, President & CEO, Save the Children

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (December 14, 2018) – In response to reports of the tragic death of a 7-year-old girl who was in U.S. custody after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, Carolyn Miles, President & CEO of Save the Children, issued the following statement:

Save the Children is heartbroken to learn of the death of a young migrant girl from Guatemala while in U.S. custody last week after crossing the southern border. Every child has a right to safety, protection and a future. We must protect children at the border.

This tragedy again heightens the need to uphold our nation’s values and to approach this complex issue with morality and justice. Far too many families from Central America’s Northern Triangle – Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador – are forced to flee violence, extreme poverty and unrest. We must focus on addressing root causes of this mass migration and more strongly investing in solutions, while also ensuring the humane treatment of children and families who are seeking asylum in America.

Children should not have to experience the trauma that comes from daily threats, a terrifying journey, forcefully being removed from their parents, facing danger at the border or being held indefinitely by the U.S. government. Together, let’s build a better, brighter future for these kids.

 

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.