A total of 20 girls, boys and adolescents were located in Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, in possible situations of child labor, as reported this Wednesday, April 15, by authorities from the Attorney General’s Office (PGN).
The discovery occurred after complaints spread on social networks about alleged violations of children’s rights. Based on these allegations, the Deputy Attorney General’s Office for Children and Adolescents (PNA) coordinated an inter-institutional operation in which the National Civil Police, the Municipality of Antigua Guatemala, the Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office and the Volunteer Fire Department participated.
According to official information, the minors carried out activities in different parts of the colonial city, which exposed them to risks and conditions that could affect their safety and development. The complaints also indicated that some were forced by their parents to make sales on public roads.
During the intervention, specialized personnel carried out verification and protection actions. The 20 minors, whose ages range between 1 and 17 years, were evaluated by PNA personnel to determine their situation.
As a result of the operation, 19 of the minors were reintegrated with their extended family, while a 16-year-old adolescent was referred to a competent judge, who must define the corresponding protection measures.
The authorities indicated that they will follow up on the cases to prevent minors from being exposed to this type of situation again. Likewise, they pointed out that legal and social efforts continue aimed at the full restitution of the rights of children and adolescents.
The PGN reiterated that these actions seek to promote adequate living conditions for minors, through their protection in family units and the support of state institutions and social organizations.
The authorities also called on the population to report possible cases of violation of the rights of girls, boys and adolescents in Sacatepéquez, through the telephone numbers enabled for that purpose.