While Peru is classed as a lower middle-income country with declining poverty rates, vast inequalities mean wide sectors of the population have basic unmet needs. 60% of children in Peru live in poverty and have little access to protection from violence and exploitation. It is estimated that one out of four 6 to 17 year olds (2 million) is involved in some kind of labour activity in a bid to help support their families and for their own survival. The worst and most hazardous forms of labour include brick-making, rubbish recycling and stone quarrying. Jobs such as these expose children to both grave physical and psychological risks.
Another consequence of the high levels of poverty in Peru is that children and women are often exposed to increased rates of violence, exclusion and discrimination. This is particularly true in rural areas, where abuse is often ignored or tolerated within traditionally male dominated societies. However the issue is often compounded even further when women and children from rural areas migrate to Peru’s cities. With the resulting loss of traditional protection networks and the lack of transferable skills many people are prevented from obtaining economic independence and are vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.
To learn more about the children we support in Peru, please follow the links below.
