Council for World Mission

Turning the tide on Madagascar’s child sex trade

Thursday, 30 October 2008 03:26

It's a parent's nightmare - an innocent child snatched away and exposed to sexual abuse and violence at the hands of strangers. Yet for many parents in Madagascar, the nightmare is not only a reality for their children - but a basic means of survival.

Zoe Hussain talks to the country's UNICEF representative, Bruno Maes, about how the fight is being stepped up to win back childhood for Madagascar's exploited children.

He adds: "Figures vary according to sources, but estimates indicate that there are currently more than 950,000 children between 6-14 years old who are out of the school system. A lack of birth registration and education escalate children’s exposure to violence and abuse."

Many  young  children, especially from rural areas, enter prostitution as a means  of  survivalAction to address exploitation stepped up in Madagascar back in the 1990s. But in recent months, UNICEF has been working with the government on a new zero tolerance campaign designed to hit the sex tourism industry hard.

The government has passed a new law that will punish adults caught exploiting children and there have already been several convictions against a number of foreigners.

Changing the focus

This time round, the focus has been on getting members of the private sector - for example hotel owners - to take responsibility for ensuring it doesn't happen on their premises.

A special training guide detailing current legislation and advice on how to listen and support child survivors of exploitation has been been produced for police, judges and social workers.

In July a mass media campaign was launched in the tourist region Nosy-Be, where various ministers and UNICEF met to present the government’s National Action Plan to promote the protection of child rights in Madagascar.

And at the capital's airport in Antananarivo, signs warning that anyone caught having sex with a child will be prosecuted adorn the arrivals lounge walls. Billboards bearing the message "No to sex tourism", line the streets into the city.

There are a series of other measures being planned in partnership with the government, national non-governmental organisations and community leaders to identify, refer and rescue victims of exploitation such as:

• alternative education programmes for 14-18 year olds outside the formal education system to get them off the streets and learning 
  
• the provision of birth certificates for all children 
  
• improved legislative actions and law
  
• building more communities - studies show community-style living is key in protecting children from trafficking and exploitation.

These combined efforts have ranked Madagascar a “Tier 1” country by the US Department of State - in recognition of its leadership in fighting trafficking in persons. The only African country ranked Tier 1 in 2008 - it stands alongside 28 other countries including Austria, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and others, recognised for its efforts and good will in tackling the issue.

Building awareness

But despite the crackdown, Mae says there is still a long way to go: "Although there is a strong commitment from the government and all partners, there is still a lot to do to combat violence against children.

"We need to continually increase awareness of issues surrounding commercial sexual exploitation of children and sexual tourism is one of them. UNICEF is working with partners on all levels to address this."

He adds: "Strengthening of a protective environment in Madagascar is essential to prevent further violations - and the national campaign is vital in placing those violations high on the agenda."