UN reports show that refugee children are using ‘survival sex’ in order to pay people smugglers. Children are prostituting themselves so as to earn money to continue their journey after running out of money or being robbed. UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming told a news conference in Geneva that women and children are at “heightened risk of violence and abuse.” She called on governments to take steps to ensure their safety. She said they hve been concerned by testimonies as well as reports regarding children resorting to ‘survival sex’ to make ends meet.

Fleming says that children are vulnerable to sexual attacks in overcrowded centers where there are no special spaces for women and families with children. Most at risk are unaccompanied children.