Latest news update on concerns over human trafficking in Haiti
The State Department has announced that they are going to increase their efforts (along with UNICEF, the Haiti government, the Red Cross and other organizations) to protect vulnerable children from human trafficking during the post-earthquake state of emergency. Prior to the earthquake in January of 2010, human trafficking had become a growing problem. Due to the separation of many children from their families in the aftermath of the earthquake, they are more at risk for being trafficked and exploited.
“Haitian officials recognize that human trafficking is a serious problem in their country, Haitian law does not specifically prohibit trafficking in persons, which limits the Haitian government’s ability to punish traffickers and protect victims. This is made worse by Haiti’s political instability and lack of resources, the State Department report says.” ~ www.america.gov Jan 29, 2010
“UNICEF has confirmed that at least 15 Haitian children have vanished from areas hospitals in the days since the earthquake, and they suspect those children — and more — are falling victim to child trafficking rings.” ~ www.humantrafficking.change.org Jan 26, 2010
The Home Foundation has partnered with many other organizations in launching a campaign to help protect Haiti’s children from human trafficking. “It is critical to engage some organizations in this work now, while the first disaster relief efforts are beginning…. partnering with nongovernmental organizations on the ground in the affected areas, and suggesting steps to reduce the opportunities for exploitation, such as the identification and registration of children in camps and the education of relief and development works, health providers, missionaries and others on the increased dangers of trafficking.” ~ www.thehomefoundation.net
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