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New statistics from the streets of Guatemala

A report published at the end of October 2009 by the Office of Human Rights of the Archdiocese of Guatemala has revealed some harrowing statistics about levels and consequences of violence on the streets of Guatemala.

More than 10 children die every week as a result of violence, 52% of these from gunshot wounds.

Gang culture and crime due to drug dependency are common occurances on the streets of Guatemala. Gang cameraderie and companionship may seem appealing to children looking for a sense of belonging, but in many cases, gang behaviour leads to dangerous and, as these new statistics show, potentially fatal situations.

Guatemalan officials state that there are an average of 17 murders a day in the country, most of which they attribute to youth gangs and organized crime related to the drug trade.

During the first nine months of 2009, “an average of 1.46 deaths of children occurred each day” reported Efe, a leading Spanish language news agency.

To read more about street children in Guatemala, click here