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Findings of Study on Commercial Sexual Exploitation
of Children Presented
November 03, 2006
A new phenomenon called ‘Hit Me
on the Hips’ is surfacing more and more in Belize. Last week
the National Committee for Families and Children, N-C-F-C
presented the results of a study on the Commercial Sexual
Exploitation of Children in Belize. Through that report it was
realized that phenomena was real and that more people have been
affirming its existence. We spoke with Executive Director of the
N-C-F-C, Judith Alpuche.
Judith Alpuche: Executive
Director of the N-C-F-C
“What is happening is that
because in schools they can’t leave their phones on they are
keeping it on vibrate. When whoever is their agent has a job for
them would call them and the phone would vibrate hence the
terminology ‘Hit Me on the Hips’. The young woman would fake
some excuse to leave school and would go out to deal with the
customer. So we’re getting these reports from agencies and
organization working with this issue and we’re getting these
reports from the young people themselves who know of their
friends in these situations. It’s a new phenomenon it seems to
be tied in to a certain extent to the tourism industry as well
with the cruise passengers. It seems as if though tour operators
and taxi drivers might be involved as well from the reports that
we are getting. It’s very concerning.”
We asked Alpuche what is being
done to address the issue.
Judith Alpuche: Executive
Director of the N-C-F-C
“The study that with did
with the I-L-O is to me the first step in really understanding
the phenomena of commercial sexual exploitation of children
because in order to address a problem you need to know what it
really looks like, what are the issues that are driving whatever
the problem is. Last week when we presented the findings the
afternoon was dedicated to sitting down with the stake holders
– the people who actually provide services to the children and
their families. We allow the space for the stakeholders to sit
down and talk about how we could systematically address this
issue. The whole issue of commercial sexual exploitation will
take a multi-agency approach; it will take us working on
different parts of the problem because the phenomenon is so
complex. We do have already some of the priority areas and we
will be advancing those in conjunction to the I-L-O who is
committed to providing funding for activities, so early next
year we should see some activities getting off the ground to
hold in on this problem.”
Alpuche says that based on the
reports they have been getting they have realized that the
incidents are more centered in Belize City. Alpuche says more
people need to become aware of what is going on and should also
become involved in putting a stop to the commercial sexual
exploitation of children in Belize.
Judith Alpuche: Executive
Director of the N-C-F-C
“I would just like to
really encourage parents and teachers and the community at
large. I really want them to be aware that this is happening and
really join with us in protecting young women and young men.
We’re getting reports that young men are involved in
commercial sex work as well. For us to see that it is an issue
of protection that we shouldn’t be blaming these teenagers,
these adolescents that are involved that they need guidance
and to really keep an eye out and to provide these
young people with the things that they need so that they don’t
find themselves in situations where they’re vulnerable to
being exploited.”
Judith Alpuche, Executive
Director of the National Committee for Families and Children.
Original link: http://www.lovefm.com/ndisplay.php?nid=4985
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