Before Coronavirus, life in Sub-Saharan Africa didn't offer much to many youth living there. Natural disasters, poverty, attacks on civilians, and more have prompted many young people to find a more stable life elsewhere. This choice to uproot and move presents new challenges to those daring to make such decisions; having to face the risks of migrating, risks such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and the threat of detention.
With the rise of the Coronavirus pandemic, many of these countries have closed borders in order to contain the spread of the disease. Those caught moving such as children moving through Niger have been cut off from returning home, meaning the only path forward is an uncertain one. he Agadez region of Niger is a transit hub for migrants and refugees fleeing volatile security and economic situations in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
The use of the Agadez region by young people to pass through was on the rise, but with Coronavirus the number of people using the region has increased drastically. As of April 2020 more than 7,400 children were sent back to Niger from Nigeria due to the outbreak. Many people are returning to unlivable conditions that are not healthy or sustainable in the long-term, the closure of borders closed the door on work opportunities for many.
To read the stories of the people affected:
To read about UNICEF's work in Niger:
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