Proliferation of Street Children: a Threat to the MDGs

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The abundance of street children in major cities in the country does not sit well with the country’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Street children are everywhere, especially in urban areas. In the context of child protection, street children are among those children in need of special protection (CNSP) because of the risks and hazards they face while on the streets without adult supervision. In particular, they are exposed to violence, sexual abuse and exploitation, STI and/or HIV/AIDS, drug or substance addiction, and accidents. If not properly addressed, the proliferation of street children poses a threat to the attainment of the MDGs.