Belgium's Queen Mathilde was particularly moved by the resilience of the migrants she met during a three-day mission in Costa Rica for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
In a video interview with Belga News Agency, Queen Mathilde reflected on the most memorable aspects of her trip, including her conversations with seasonal workers from neighbouring Nicaragua and Panama who work on Costa Rican coffee plantations.
UNICEF has set up a project to care for the children while their parents work, an initiative the Queen described as a “beautiful message.”
Queen Mathilde, who travelled to Costa Rica on 9 February in her capacity as Honorary President of UNICEF Belgium, said she was also “deeply touched” by the testimonies of the migrants, whom she met on Tuesday at a reception and reintegration centre in the capital, San José.
“The traumatic experiences they endured during their journey seemed truly overwhelming,” she said. “For example, during their journey, the children saw bodies lying by the roadside. It is indescribable."
"They now have to overcome these traumas. Yet they still smile and remain hopeful for the future despite their horrific experiences. It really moved me,” the Queen added.
This was Queen Mathilde’s tenth mission for UNICEF.
“The world faces enormous challenges today,” she said. “Statistics show we are making progress in some areas. More children are receiving education than ever before. Access to healthcare has significantly improved in some parts of the world. However, challenges related to climate change, poverty, and social inequalities remain immense."
"Some situations are truly alarming," the Belgian monarch added. "We must continue to support projects like those of UNICEF to give a voice to the most vulnerable. That is the goal of a mission like this.”
