On Thursday, the International Labor Organization released a study showing an estimated 15,000 minors from various Central American countries suffer sexual exploitation and abuse in Guatemala. Most of the abused minors, according to the study, are girls ages 15-17. ILO consultant Lidia Barco said about half the minors come from other Central American countries including El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Because the girls are immigrants, she noted, they are more vulnerable to exploitation. About one-third of the minors have developed alcohol or drug addictions and roughly one-quarter have STDs or are pregnant. The study was part of the ILO's program to eradicate child labor.

Back to other news for August 22, 2003

Search the Newsroom archive