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Guatemala City (Agenzia Fides) - It is easy to meet adults, children and young people on the streets of Guatemala who wander inhaling solvents to avoid feeling hungry and thinking about the reasons of violence for which they have abandoned their families, if they ever had one. According to information sent to Fides by the organizations working in favor of people living on the streets, there are no statistics in order to quantify the number of human beings who live in these conditions. Unfortunately child abuse and the lack of attention by the State have not changed.
Surviving is not easy for them, exposed to the contempt of the people, municipal authorities and police. In some cases, as part of a rehabilitation, they are brought back to their home. They often live as "one family" where they take care of each other mutually, following the rules. However when these rules are broken, the offender is beaten up. The main source of survival is begging, and the proceeds are used to buy, however, solvents or bottles of liquor. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 28/06/2016)
AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - Bishop of Tombura Yambio “The situation is catastrophic and therefore requires urgent action”
AMERICA/BRAZIL - In the state of Piauí, 80% of the population suffers from lack of food