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Dr Robi Sonderegger filming among the ruins of the Haiti earthquake.
Charter to Abolish Child Slavery: Haiti
In the wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Port au Prince (Haiti), orphaned and abandoned children became vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. In 2010, Family Challenge set out to be a voice for these children, and seek to protect them against trafficking and domestic slavery.
Current Exploitation
More than a quarter of a million Haitian children are living as domestic slaves, many of whom have been commercially trafficked from poor rural provinces. They are refused access to school, receive no payment or gratitude for the services they render, and experiences frequent physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their owners. It is for the sake of these children that Family Challenge takes a stand.
What’s being done?
A multi-faceted, strategic approach to eradicate domestic servitude and safeguard vulnerable children was launched in 2010 in coalition with humanitarian organisations and churches on the ground in Haiti. An intensive educational symposium for 120 of the nation's leaders was held in October 2010, and has been described as a "history-making event".
Following education on the essentials of child develop and community responsibility, attendees workshopped and brainstormed a 'Resolution' for the protection of children and the abolition of child slavery in Haiti (with commitments made at personal, church and community levels). These commitments were then compiled into a formal 10-point Resolution or 'Charter' which was presented on the last day. The Resolution for best interests of the Haitian child and the abolishment of child slavery was Charter was unanimously passed and signed as a symbol of the nation's commitment.
There has been no united front for the abolishment of child slavery anywhere in the world since the 1800s, and never before has such a charter existed in Haiti. Family Challenge continues to work alongside Summit representatives to ensure the sustainability of the resolution. A documentary of the entire event was produced and is soon to be aired on television.
