Puebla: 372 children and adolescents identified living on the streets

The organization Casa del Sol has identified 372 children and adolescents living on the streets across the city of Puebla and five surrounding municipalities, including San Pedro Cholula, San Andrés Cholula, Atlixco, Santa Isabel Cholula, and Cuautlancingo.

According to the diagnostic report, the group of minors includes 47 babies, 112 girls, 146 boys, 37 adolescent females, and 31 adolescent males. The study categorized their presence on the streets into four types: begging, child labor, social association, and leisure. The findings indicate that these minors are primarily concentrated in markets, intersections, and under bridges.

The report highlights that extreme poverty is the driving factor behind this situation, exposing children to risks such as malnutrition, violence, accidents, and exploitation. Casa del Sol warned that these conditions facilitate crimes including forced labor, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. The organization is calling for a comprehensive state response and a statewide census to strengthen protections for children.