A new wave of signatures, tangible action to support the cause
MONTREAL, April 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Today in Quebec, World Vision and well known media personality Geneviève Borne launched the second edition of No Child for Sale campaign against child exploitation. This campaign, which will continue until 2016, encourages public to sign the petition www.contrelexploitationdesenfants.ca asking the Canadian government to take action to end exploitation of children around the world.
Such measures would require Canadian companies, for example, for more transparency and to certify the sourcing of their products. They would also ensure that products manufactured in other countries and sold in Canada meet higher child protection standards. The priority is to help children around the world who are trapped in degrading and hazardous jobs.
"Last year, World Vision's Quebec gathered no fewer than 12,000 signatures, more than anywhere else in Canada. We are pleased to note that this cause deeply touches Quebecers," says Carolyn Hébert, World Vision's director for Quebec. "By signing our petition, Quebecers are voicing their will for change and sending a clear message to government."
Geneviève Borne in Cambodia for World Vision
Just back from a trip to Cambodia, World Vision's official ambassador for Quebec, Geneviève Borne, witnessed firsthand the organization's efforts and actions in the field to help local communities.
"This is my second trip with World Vision and following my experience in India in 2013, my visit to Cambodia impressed me with the scope of the organization and the importance of concerted public action to change lives," Ms. Borne states. "Following my time in this country which is really close to my heart, I hope Quebec people will be rallied around child protection and respect worldwide."
World Vision's Quebec team has brought back video clips and photos to show Quebecers the scope of the work done by the organization in the field. This trip also gave team members a chance to meet the heads of just a few of many World Vision programs, such as Childhood project that fights child exploitation in the tourism industry, and My son program to reduce sexual assault on young boys in the cities of Battambang and Phnom Penh.
Child exploitation in a few words
Around the world, more than 85 million children are victims of exploitation or work in hazardous or degrading jobs, while 1.2 million are caught up in child trafficking. Remember that child exploitation is a consequence of poverty, discrimination and political and social powerlessness. The inability to meet children's basic needs (food, housing, water and education), unscrupulous employers, growing demand for inexpensive products and the ineffectiveness of child protection legislation all contribute to mistreatment suffered by millions of children.
About World Vision
World Vision, active in 97 countries, is an international solidarity organization combating all forms of poverty and injustice through its emergency humanitarian aid programs, community development projects and advocacy actions. The organization provides aid to the most disadvantaged children and families, free of any social, ethnic or religious discrimination. For more information, visit worldvision.ca.
For more information, visuals, and videos of the Cambodia trip or to schedule an interview with Geneviève Borne or Carolyn Hébert:
SOURCE: World Vision Canada
Kilicom Relations publiques: Stéphanie Quirion, 514 845-8222 ext 223, Cell: 514 260-0603, [email protected]; Katerine Sdicu, 514 845-8222 ext 224, Cell: 514 588-6878, [email protected]
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