The right to be and belong

By Global Fund for Children | June 12, 2019 | The Americas | Education, Freedom from Violence & Exploitation, Gender Equity, Youth Empowerment

Editor’s note: This post is also available in Spanish

At a recent partner convening, a transnational network of community-based organizations from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States came together to write a video message to migrant girls. This is their message.

What have you left behind? 

Patriarchy?

Lack of opportunities?

Violence?

Inequality?

Discrimination?

Exclusion?

Impunity?

War?

Displacement?

Greed?

Climate change?

What are you looking for?

Autonomy over your body?

Family reunification?

Respected work and education?

The American dream?

Your life is already changing the world! 

Griela, member of the Transnational Network for Migrant Girls, one of the authors of the letter.

Your life has a lot of value.

The world loves you. You have done nothing wrong, and you deserve peace, love, freedom, and happiness.

You can achieve whatever your heart wants!

Your knowledge, your culture, and your thoughts are valuable.

Your dreams, your experiences, and your voice matter.

You are worthy and valuable. You have the right to be and belong, to be free and to do whatever makes you feel human.

Never forget that you are brave, intelligent, and full of light, and that no one, anywhere, should ever make you feel otherwise.

You’re not alone. I understand the difficult situation you are living, and if you’re okay with it, I want to accompany you.

Let’s walk together.

Daniel, member of the Transnational Network for Migrant Girls, one of the authors of the letter.

How do you think we can change the world? 

Global Fund for Children (GFC) invests in community-based organizations around the world to help children and youth reach their full potential and advance their rights.

GFC is proud to partner with courageous organizations around the world advocating for the rights of migrant and refugee children.

Through the Adolescent Girls and Migration project, GFC partners with leading migrant service and advocacy organizations in Guatemala, Mexico, and the US to build a transnational movement addressing migrant girls’ needs and rights.

Regina, member of the Transnational Network for Migrant Girls, one of the authors of the letter.
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