Coastal Tourist Havens Grapple with Rising Child Begging Crisis, Authorities Silent

Every summer, the most frequented streets and corners of these cities are invaded by beggars, generally women accompanied by young children, who disturb the peace of the residents and vacationers.

Civil society organizations denounce this practice, which is growing year by year, under the helpless gaze of the local authorities, who are accused of taking no measures to stem the phenomenon.

According to the owners of cafes, restaurants and other businesses in the tourism sector, these beggars are damaging the image of the coastal cities as a preferred tourist destination for many summer visitors.

Local activist groups are warning against the risk of exploitation of children for begging purposes, deploring the lack of effective measures to put an end to these practices that undermine human dignity and children’s rights.