Refugee agency raises child exploitation concern

The UN refugee agency reports a growing number of cases in which children in southeastern Europe have been forced into sex to pay for the continuation of their journeys as they flee war and poverty.

UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming says the agency is still assessing how many children might be affected but is going public with concerns to pressure governments along the route to do more to help children.

Speaking to reporters Friday, Fleming said extortion of children appears to be happening “in every single country” along the route.

UNHCR estimates at least 644,000 people have arrived in Europe across the Mediterranean this year – about one-third of them women and children.

Fleming said it appears that smugglers, criminal gangs and other refugees could potentially be behind the abuse. The agency says unaccompanied children are particularly vulnerable.

[AP]