AMERICA/MEXICO - Children under 14 years of age are victims of abuses of all kinds; alarm in the country with 35% of child population

Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - Mexico is the country which has the highest rate of physical violence, sexual abuse and murder among children under 14 years of age, and where more than 3.6 million children work, of whom 1,1 million are between 5 and 13 years of age. This is the second Latin American country with the highest number of child population. According to the 2010 census, children from 0 to 17 appear to be 39 million, 35% of the population, therefore protection and recognition of the rights of children and adolescents are needed. According to the International Labour Organization, in northern Mexico about 32% of the workforce is composed of indigenous children migrated from other parts of the country. The living conditions are alarming: many are on the streets, victims of crime, poverty, forced prostitution, have no access to education, are mistreated, abused, completely alone and without any basic assistance. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 12/09/2012)