Coalition Works to Prevent Human Trafficking and Exploitation of Haitian Children
FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 22, 2010
Washington, DC
In the Wake of the Earthquake:
Coalition Works to Prevent Human Trafficking and Exploitation of Haitian Children
Global Centurion, The Homes Foundation and ten other relief and development, community, and faith-based organizations on the ground in Haiti to create a first response campaign to stop potential human trafficking. The purpose of the partnership is to develop and distribute simple, clear information campaigns designed to prevent human trafficking in the wake of the disaster.
The earthquake in Haiti has created a state of emergency. The crisis is of epic proportions, and disaster relief teams are struggling to rescue Haitians and provide food, clothing, shelter, medical assistance, and other emergency relief. Over the next weeks this work will continue, but a secondary phenomenon is already developing: hundreds of thousands of Haitians have been displaced from their homes. Many are wandering in the streets, afraid to go inside for fear of aftershocks. Thousands are migrating in search of food, clothing, shelter and medical services. From previous experience, we know that natural disasters present dangerous circumstances which may result in human trafficking.
A Bottle of Water, a Pack of Gum and a Basic Message – Working with those already on the ground, the campaign will deliver simple, clear information on the dangers of human trafficking, exploitation, and other forms of violence in the wake of the disaster. The campaign will begin immediately, with a series of brightly colored messages on bottles of water, food packets, first aid kits and packets of gum.
Fast Action – It is critical to engage some organizations in this work now, while the first disaster relief efforts are beginning. After the tsunami, it was only after there were already reports of incidents of predators that international organizations took action, 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.
Contact: Laura J. Lederer, Vice President Global Centurion 703-919-6828 (cell); 703-815-8501 (landline); 202-546-8172 (office)
Partners include Renewal Forum, Fondation Espoir, Salvation Army, Olive Branch International, Doctors at War on Trafficking, The Home Foundation, Equitas Group, Gracehaven, World Hope International, Beyond Borders, Restavek Foundation, Fondation la Limye Lavi as well as other relief and development, community, and faith-based organizations on the ground in Haiti to create a first response campaign to stop potential human trafficking. The purpose of the partnership is to develop and distribute simple, clear information campaigns designed to prevent human trafficking in the wake of the disaster.