Bata, Bata, Karapata’y Ipaunawa:

February 27, 2008
Press Release

Bata, Bata, Karapata’y Ipaunawa:
PACT calls for the IACAT’s immediate adoption of the Philippines Guidelines for the Protection of Trafficked Children
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“Trafficked children are victims of human rights violations and should not be treated as offenders. Formally adopting the Philippine Guidelines for the Protection of Trafficked Children will help in upholding and protecting each trafficked child’s right to full respect and exercise of his/her survival, protection, development and participation.”

This was the call of Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT), a national network with over 500 member individuals and organizations committed to protect children against trafficking, in a forum held at Newdesk Café in Quezon City with the theme, “Bata, Bata, Karapata’y Ipaunawa.”

PACT said that the document aims to serve as guide to broaden the understanding of service providers such as social workers, law enforcers, NGOs and the State, to better understand the rights of trafficked children and take the necessary measures to protect them.

According to ECPAT Philippines President and children’s NGO representative to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Ms. Amihan Abueva, “adopting the Guidelines is important to ensure the ‘best interest’ of the child.”

Abueva added that the Philippine Guidelines will also be the basis for more effective networking and coordination of concerned agencies in identifying the immediate, as well as the long-term solutions for problems experienced by children victimized by trafficking.

The final draft of the said Guidelines is currently with the IACAT for last reading, comments and formal adoption.

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Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT)
Rm. 316-317 3/F Philippine Social Science Center
Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Tel. (632) 929-0347, Fax: (632) 929-0347
Email: philippinecampaign@gmail.com
Website: www.pact.org.ph