Protecting children from the rubble

(ES)

Child trafficking is a form of violation of human rights that affects over one million children worldwide.

Is to separate children from their families and their environment, sometimes taking them to other countries and continents with the sole purpose of profiting from the mafias that drive this lucrative business.

The purpose of this trade is sexual exploitation, illegal adoptions, domestic work, labor exploitation in conditions of slavery, illegal activities or begging. The consequences are terrible for children both physically and emotionally, while denying them basic rights such as education. Once in the destination countries, these children become illegal immigrants, so their status as victims is twofold: first, by depriving them of their basic rights and bein victims of violence and abuse, and two, be legally unprotected in the countries that are transferred.

Among the reasons for child trafficking occurs are:

* Extreme poverty
* Lack of educational opportunities
* Discrimination against women and girls
* Socially accepted practices and customs in certain communities
* Humanitarian crises and natural disasters
* Demand for labor and child prostitution


While poverty is an important factor, is also not the main cause. Should also analyze other factors such as the laws of different states on child trafficking, which allows dealers to commit the crime without any appropriate penalties to be punished, no laws to prevent its commission.

Weeks after the earthquake that struck Haiti alarmed us with news related specifically to the trafficking of children allegedly orphaned after the disaster.

Without doubt, the misery of others is always a good business for the mafia.

UNICEF echoed this alarming situation and on their website picked up the following news:
UNICEF steps up efforts to protect child healt and safety in Haiti quake zone

On 21/01/2010, Consuelo Crespo, President of UNICEF-Spain wrote the article Protecting children from the rubble in elpais.com newspaper. In the last paragraph we read a declaration of good intentions, very reluctantly, with the perspective that gives the time, seems far removed from the reality of Haiti today. UNICEF also provides an overview of last year's report Children in Haiti. One year later: the long road from relief to recovery. Especially interesting analysis of context: persistent bottlenecks and new challenges to better understand a picture so bleak.

Yes, one year later, mainly women and children in Haiti are still extremely vulnerable in a situation which is even closer to the humanitarian crisis than to the reconstruction of a country.