Guatemala Authorities Raid Save the Children Offices
Authorities in Guatemala conducted a raid on the offices of the international organization Save the Children as part of an investigation into alleged abuses against minors.
Background of the Raid
The operation was initiated following reports of alleged trafficking of Guatemalan children on the southern United States border. The raid was part of a transnational probe into actions that may be related to violations and abuses against Guatemalan children.
Statement from State Prosecutor
State Prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche stated in a video published on social media that the raid was part of an investigation involving the inspection, search, and seizure of evidence related to the alleged abuses.
Save the Children’s Response
Save the Children confirmed that officials had entered its offices in Guatemala City and expressed shock and perplexity at the search. The organization emphasized that no specific allegations were made known to them, and they denied any evidence supporting allegations of misconduct.
“We have protected children from any abuse of their rights. We do not — and we have never — facilitated the movement of children out of Guatemala,” Save the Children stated.
Collaboration with Texas Prosecutors
Guatemalan authorities sought assistance from prosecutors in Texas in relation to the investigation. The raid involved the collection of evidence to aid in the ongoing probe.
Save the Children’s Work in Guatemala
Save the Children has been operating in Guatemala since 1976, providing education, health, child protection, and humanitarian aid. The organization has been supporting migrant children and their families who cross Guatemala’s southern border.
Denial of Allegations
In response to reports linking them to child trafficking, Save the Children denied facilitating the movement of children out of Guatemala. The organization stated that they take all child safeguarding and misconduct allegations seriously and have mechanisms in place to investigate such claims thoroughly.
“We have no evidence to support these claims and remain dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to migrant children and their families under strict standards of protection and safeguarding,” Save the Children emphasized.
