(1888PressRelease)
November 02, 2006 - Child Trafficking Alert
The Sunday New York Times front page cover story on October 29, 2006 alerted readers to the devastating affects of the world wide trade of child trafficking. 1.2 million children as young as 5 are sold, abducted and forced into servitude each year. Brothels, militia, and forced labor that abuse these children generate more than $10 billion annually. And the problem is growing, “driven by huge profits and controlled by organized networks that transport children both within and between countries.”
Joanne Clarey, Ed.D., a licensed profession counselor and past resident of Portland, Maine, has researched about the exploitation of vulnerable children. She urges citizens to educate themselves about human trafficking and take action locally to prevent human exploitation in Maine. One tree farm in New Hampshire has already been shut down for operating with forced labor.
“We must stop this immoral and horrific treatment of children. It happens in our own country, our own state. Children are being robbed of their innocence, their dignity, their right to a childhood,” Clarey says.
“Educate yourselves, give money to organizations such as Unicef and other non-profits focused on the child trafficking problem, and form neighborhood watch groups,” she advises.
Clarey has written a novel based on the research she has conducted on how the child trafficking trade works. Called, Skinned, and soon to be published, the story follows a group of young girls imported into Maine from Eastern Europe by way of Canada.
“Although I write fiction, I try to incorporate important moral issues into my stories. Fiction, even thrillers like Skinnned, has the potential to create awareness and motivate action toward righting wrongs,” Clarey says.
For more information or to interview Joanne Clarey:
Call 336-880-5692
E-mail joannejhc ( @ ) aol dot com
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