Haiti Chaos Used To Target Children

‘Unscrupulous Individuals’ Using Haiti Chaos To Target Children

Wellington, 25 January 2010. – The UN Children’s Fund is on alert amid reports that children are being removed from Haiti illegally.

UNICEF NZ Executive Director, Dennis McKinlay, says that the huge damage and breakdown of normal society wrought by the 7 magnitude earthquake has created ideal conditions for child traffickers to operate.

“UNICEF is aware of reports of children have been removed from Haiti without due process or the proper documentation. The Haitian Government has been informed of these reports and is investigating.

“We know from experience of past emergencies that trafficking takes place in the chaos that follows a natural disaster. Unscrupulous individuals prey on vulnerable children who may have become separated from family members. Children may be abducted to meet a demand for trafficked children as cheap labour or for sexual exploitation.

“Children have already suffered enough from this disaster, with many losing parents and other family members, and they have experienced terrible scenes that no child should have to witness. Having survived the earthquake, it is absolutely vital that children now be kept safe and protected from the pernicious activities of child traffickers.”

Mr McKinlay says that UNICEF is supporting the Government to boost its vigilance of exit points to prevent children being taken out of Haiti illegally.

“UNICEF and its partners have already begun setting up ‘safe spaces’ for all unaccompanied children, including infants. As part of this process, children are being registered to help in the tracing of family members.

“UNICEF is also pooling information and resources with 28 other agencies and Haitian authorities to protect children in Haiti, including the setting up of a child protection hotline.

“With the assistance of UN peacekeepers, hospitals have been visited to ensure that hospital staff members are aware of the need to check the credentials of anyone who removes a child. Child protection messages are being broadcast on local radio stations.

“When unaccompanied children are found they are accompanied to a safe area.”

Mr McKinlay says that UNICEF staff members have also been visiting orphanages and schools to assess the status of children and meet their needs for food, water and protection. Through its partners, UNICEF is reaching almost 40,000 children with child protection support.

People can donate to UNICEF NZ's Haiti Emergency Appeal on 0800-800-194 or online at www.unicef.org.nz

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