text: towns. 2/ Since the number of street children grows faster than the urban population as a whole, all the evidence suggests that it will go on increasing. 3. There are a number of reasons why children are forced to live in the street, neimely: (a) Poverty and difficult economic circiomstances; (b) Deterioration of the environment; (c) Migration from the countryside; (d) Increased rate of urbanization and a habitat which no longer satisfies the socio-cultural aspirations of the populations concerned; (e) Breakdown of the family unit and values; (f) Growing number of single mothers with children; (g) Family violence. 4. The situation of children living in the street is extremely difficult, but in most cases this is their sole means of survival. For that reason it is often not seen as a problem by the people concerned, but as a solution and a healthy reaction by an intelligent child facing a situation to which there is no other answer. 5. Children who live in the street confront the problems of violence and survival every day. They have to cope and find ways of keeping alive and so they often form gangs. Some continue to go to school while working, but generally without success, because life in the streets has psychological consequences which affect their ability to concentrate. The jobs they do reflect keen powers of observation and an ability to exploit their environment: they wash or guard cars, work as flower-sellers or pedlars, etc. Others are forced to fall back on demeaning activities, such as prostitution, begging, delinquency or theft. In all cases the children are vulnerable to action by the authorities and often meet with police violence and imprisonment. E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/NGO/7 page 3 6. Street children age prematurely as a result of their living conditions, but even though they are independent and have acquired responsibilities beyond 
analysis: The text primarily focuses on the social and economic issues affecting children who live on the streets, including poverty, family breakdown, and lack of opportunities. It highlights the difficulties they face in their daily lives, including violence, exploitation, and vulnerability to authorities. The text does not mention any specific economic development, natural resources, or environmental concerns.