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Haiti Earthquake: Human Trafficking a Major Concern-UNICEF
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by Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke | January 22, 2010 at 08:26 am
2007 views | 61 Recommendations | 6 comments
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Human Trafficking - Child Disappearance in Haiti
With aid flowing into Haiti at an unprecedented rate from around the world and pictures of orphaned children, the world has come together to help the orphans of Haiti. Canada has expedited its processing of applications and accepting family reunion applications.
Concern has been raised about the prospect of human smuggling and it now UNICEF has documented the disappearance of 15 children from hospitals.
UNICEF knew that the problem of child trafficking from Haiti existed prior to the earthquake.
International Adoption Markets
Haiti had several networks with international links to adoption markets, which made trafficking relatively easy.
Gouvernments around the world must remain vigilant, despite their willingness to help. Unfortunately out of every bad situation, there are others that want to make hay.
The desire to adopt coupled with offers of speedy adoptions, makes these children vulnerable.
"We have documented around 15 cases of children disappearing from hospitals and not with their own family at the time," said UNICEF adviser Jean Luc Legrand.
"UNICEF has been working in Haiti for many years and we knew the problem with the trade of children in Haiti that existed already beforehand.
"Unfortunately, many of these trade networks have links with the international adoption market."
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (6)
at 08:58 on January 22nd, 2010
human trafficing is a serious problem in many undeveloped countries,,,extra vigilence is needed when disasters strike...
at 09:02 on January 22nd, 2010
with major disasters like these the human spirit shines through when everyone gathers to help, unfortunately the ugly side seems to surface as well, I hope the situation gets under control soon
at 09:41 on January 22nd, 2010
Marian and Tomitheos thank you so much for commenting.
at 13:11 on January 22nd, 2010
Thank you for this, Karl.
at 23:06 on January 22nd, 2010
From HumanTrafficking.org :
Poverty and lack of economic opportunity make women and children potential victims of traffickers associated with international criminal organizations. They are vulnerable to false promises of job opportunities in other countries. Many of those who accept these offers from what appear to be legitimate sources find themselves in situations where their documents are destroyed, their selves or their families threatened with harm, or they are bonded by a debt that they have no chance of repaying.
While women and children are particularly vulnerable to trafficking for the sex trade, human trafficking is not limited to sexual exploitation. It also includes persons who are trafficked into 'forced' marriages or into bonded labor markets, such as sweat shops, agricultural plantations, or domestic service. The prevention of human trafficking requires several types of interventions. Some are of low or moderate cost and can have some immediate impact, such as awareness campaigns that allow high risk individuals to make informed decisions. Strong laws that are enforced are an effective deterrent. However, serious law enforcement is expensive.
at 02:36 on January 23rd, 2010
Thank you very much for the excerpt and link Karen. In Haiti's case, at this time of need, there is a requirement to control the movement in and out of the country.
I saw a documentary last night on Canadian television. The documentary featured a pastor who has been running an orphanage for Haitian orphans for years. He was in Haiti to try to find some Orphans and provide them with a better life in Canada.
The Haitians were very protective of the orphans and obviously aware of human trafficking. He had difficulty convincing anyone to let the orphans go with him.
Hopefully there is enough awareness and with the help of UNICEF and organizations like Human trafficking.org this can be prevented.