YANGON - International action-film star and UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan is in Myanmar this week to help United Nations efforts to combat child trafficking in the country.
“Trafficking and exploiting children are horrific crimes. They leave lifelong scars and rob children of their childhoods,” 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, Chan will visit a vocational training center 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.
According to Unicef, 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.
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 Myanmar, 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.
“It is very important that young people know how to protect themselves,” said Chan. “Simple things, like knowing not to trust anyone who promises you a dream job in another country; never going to an unknown place alone; knowing your parents’ and your own full name and age; and being able to explain where you live, help children guard against traffickers.”
Chan has been a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador since 2004.
SOURCE: INTERAKSYON.COM
Jackie Chan fighting child trafficking in Myanmar
Action man Jackie Chan is putting up a fight against child trafficking by jetting to Myanmar this week to advocate for human rights.
The Rush Hour star and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador will travel to Mandalay for three days to discuss the increased need for lawmakers and politicians to crack down on the multi-billion dollar enterprise and beef up police task forces across the nation.
A statement from Chan reads: “Trafficking and exploiting children are horrific crimes. They leave lifelong scars and rob children of their childhoods. Children are not for sale. For the sake (of) the world’s children, we must work hard to stamp out these damaging and criminal practices.”
World-famous martial arts expert Chan will also meet with kids in a bid to teach them important survival techniques, adding, “It is very important that young people know how to protect themselves.
“Simple things, like knowing not to trust anyone who promises you a dream job in another country; never going to an unknown place alone; knowing your parents’ and your own full name and age, and being able to explain where you live, help children guard against traffickers.”
And local UNICEF representative Ramesh Shrestha is grateful the Hollywood star is taking a stand, adding, “Jackie Chan is hugely popular in Myanmar and he is a strong and dedicated advocate of child rights. Children and teenagers are inspired by his martial arts skills, bravery, adventure and humour. He will be a source of inspiration and encouragement.”
SOURCE: CELEBRITY BUZZ
International superstar and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan touched down in Myanmar today and will meet young people who are overcoming huge obstacles.
In a vocational center he will see how young trafficking survivors are learning new skills and building a life for themselves after being sold, exploited and forced to leave their homes.
He will travel to a residential care facility which is home to children who do not have parents and children who have been forced to live and work on the streets.
Jackie has been travelling around the world for UNICEF since 2004, when he was appointed as an international Goodwill Ambassador. In Myanmar he will deliver powerful messages to the young people on how they can protect themselves against exploitation and abuse.
What Jackie doesn’t know yet is that the young people have prepared a martial arts show for him and will invite him to show off some moves himself. We will get some good photos for you!
You can follow our updates on Jackie’s trip here on Facebook or on Twitter by searching for #Jackie4Kids
PS: Less than one per cent of Myanmar’s population has access to the Internet!
Our UNICEF staff on the ground will be working hard to find Internet spots and post updates to you, but they will come in a little delayed.
SOURCE: UNICEFEAPRO BLOG
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