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The trafficking and exploitation of children is a serious problem in the Golden Triangle, a region where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. It is an area notorious for criminal activities, especially drugs and human trafficking. In Thailand, trafficking is a £10 billion annual business, which is equivalent to 50%-60% of the government's annual budget and more lucrative than the drug trade. It is in this very remote and isolated region that hands is working for the protection of children at risk.
The majority of these children come from communities broken by poverty, unemployment and family instability. 12 to 16 year olds from the hilltribes of northern Thailand are particularly vulnerable and are trafficked throughout Thailand, Europe, India, and the Middle East. In order to address these problems hands has developed 3 areas of activity.
Child Hostels: Our hostels are a home to those at greatest risk from exploitation and trafficking, providing a safe haven in the local community. We oversee two hostels, one for girls and one for boys, accommodating approximately 60 girls and 20 boys. Our hostels provide a safe sanctuary, where children can grow and develop. We provide secure access to education, vocational training and medical care.
Child Sponsorship: hands has been actively involved in the prevention of child trafficking and the rescue of children for over 10 years. These are children often have no official status and appear on no official registers. Children are rescued and either returned to their families or cared for at one of our hostels, if it is believed they will remain at risk.We have a long-term commitment to the children in our care; from overseeing their personal and social development to supporting their education and training to providing for their daily and on-going physical and emotional needs. We face a constant challenge to raise support and finances for these homes away from home.
ChildWatch: Our ChildWatch project is modelled on the UK's Neighbourhood Watch scheme. hands staff identify communities at risk and engage with local leaders to raise awareness of human trafficking. Volunteers are recruited to be a channel for the community to report any suspicious behaviour or incidents to our staff. By mobilising volunteers within their local communities we can spread awareness to parents and guardians about the risks posed by traffickers. |