India: At Least 1,700 Children Lost Parents Due to COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] It has been reported that over 1,700 children in India have become orphans due to the spread of COVID-19.

According to major foreign media on the 11th (local time), the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights of India has counted that at least 1,742 children lost their parents overnight and became orphans due to the second wave of COVID-19 that hit India since April.

It was identified that 7,464 children lost one of their parents. However, considering that the number of COVID deaths recorded in statistics is lower than the actual figure, authorities believe that the number of children who lost parents is much higher in reality.

Recently in India, there was a tragic case where 6-year-old twins fell asleep beside their mother, unaware that she had died from COVID-19, and were discovered late.

Child protection organizations point out that these children face a dual crisis, as they are not only immediately threatened with livelihood insecurity but also at risk of falling into the trap of human trafficking.

An official from one organization said, "In such a pandemic situation, orphaned children become the most vulnerable prey targeted by human trafficking organizations," adding, "Especially those from low-income and lower social classes are more likely to fall into the trap."

In fact, the organization added that human trafficking groups are rampant at bus stops and train stations, prompting surveillance activities. There are also groups posting fake newspaper ads or social media posts disguised as attempts to adopt babies.

Accordingly, Indian authorities are bringing children to government-run shelters while monitoring human trafficking and illegal adoption. Nevertheless, foreign media reported that countless children remain neglected in blind spots, pushed to the edge day by day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.