New York, NY (BBN) – Chinese action-film star and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan is in Burma, officially known as Myanmar, this week.
“Trafficking and exploiting children are horrific crimes. They leave lifelong scars and rob children of their childhoods,” Mr. Chan said. “Children are not for sale. For the sake the world’s children, we must work hard to stamp out these damaging and criminal practices.”
During his three-day visit, Mr. Chan will visit a vocational training centre for trafficked children who have managed to return to their homes but are in need of special care and support. He will also travel to UNICEF-supported projects assisting children at risk of being trafficked, including those without parental care and children who are living and working on the street.
Every year some 1.2 million children are trafficked worldwide. Trafficking, which represents a multimillion dollar enterprise, exposes children to physical violence, sexual abuse and grave emotional distress, according to the UNICEF.
Trafficking is also closely linked to migration, the agency notes. Tens of millions of people migrate for work within their own countries and across borders in the region. When they are far away from their homes and support systems, families – especially children – face an increased risk of being trafficked.
While in Burma, Mr. Chan will discuss how to effectively combat trafficking with Myanmar’s Ministry of Social Welfare and with members of its anti-trafficking police task force.
Mr. Chan has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2004.
BBN/SSR/AD-04July12-11:15 am (BST)
