"It's a bleak life," says Rolando. The young man is proud that he hasn't snorted cocaine for weeks. Instead, he smokes constantly. "Here in the slums of Guatemala, many people have nothing on their minds but drugs, from morning till night. The children sniff paste to stave off hunger, the teenagers smoke crack to forget their problems."

Drugs and violence dominate everyday life

Like Rolando, many young people in Guatemala City face similar situations. In the slums, youth violence is a daily occurrence. Many young people therefore join a youth gang. Often, however, these gangs are backed by wealthy drug traffickers who exploit the young people as dealers. The ringleaders are rarely caught by the police. All the more frequently, the young people are arrested.

To break the cycle of violence, Terre des Hommes supports the work of the Institute for Comparative Studies in Guatemalan Criminal Law (ICCPG). This research and advocacy organization aims to create alternatives to incarceration and raise public awareness of the rights of children and young people.

To break the cycle of violence, Terre des Hommes supports the work of the Institute for Comparative Studies in Guatemalan Criminal Law (ICCPG). This research and advocacy organization aims to create alternatives to incarceration and raise public awareness of the rights of children and young people.

Focus on children's rights

The institute, together with those affected, academics, and other institutions, advocates for forms of incarceration that are appropriate for young people and focus on prevention rather than punishment. ICCPG contributes its experience with human rights, particularly in criminal justice policy, to public discourse. In doing so, ICCPG aims to establish respect for children's rights within Guatemalan society. The primary focus is on educating children and young people to become self-reliant members of their society.

Your support for strong children!