Stop Child Trafficking NOW!

This is a repost. From kikay.exchange.ph

Last August 14, 2009, ECPAT International (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) together with Body Shop launched the "Soft Hands, Kind Heart Hand Cream" campaign to benefit the ongoing worldwide battle against child trafficking.

Recognizing the pervasiveness of this modern evil, the entire The Body Shop network in more than 60 countries is supporting the Stop Trafficking Campaign to raise awareness of this issue. To support the campaign, The Body Shop will be donating 100% of the proceeds of the special edition Soft Hands, Kind Heart Hand Cream to ECPAT International.

The hand cream, which retails for Php195 a bottle, is a rich floral with a non-greasy formula that is easily absorbed by skin to banish rough hands and callouses. Personally, I've already scooped up a few bottles as part of my Christmas giveaways, because I don't like rushing my Christmas shopping.

ECPAT International estimates that about 1.8 million children and young people are exploited yearly in the global sex trade industry. These are the three steps typical of the trafficking experience:

1. Recruitment- The child or young person is taken away from their home, sometimes by force but often the trafficker will trick them or their parents into going, with the promise of a better life. On some occasions, desperate parents will sell their child to a trafficker.

2. Transport- Moving the child to their intended destination can often be dangerous and uncomfortable. The trafficker may hide the child in cramped conditions to prevent anyone from finding out what's happening. If ever questioned, they will lie about their relationship to their human "cargo" to avoid suspicion.

3. Destination- On arrival at their final destination, children and young people are often abused, beaten or raped into submission and can repeatedly be sold. THey are psychologically and physically damaged but too frightened or ashamed to ask for help. If they try to escape, their lives or the lives of their families are threatened. If they do manage to escape, the authorities don't always provide immediate protection for them, leaving them just as vulnerable.

Lastly, if you believe you have seen something suspicious that could involve a trafficked or exploited child, please contact ECPAT Philippines at 920-8151 or 441-5108 or email protect@ecpat.net.