Protecting All Children

Original Post: March 2008 Minti

Apathy is one the main things that empowers the abusers of human rights in this world. They rely on the fact that people will turn a blind eye if they think something won’t directly affect them. Well why not make sure there isn’t a risk of it affecting those who you care about now and in the future too? I don't usually write advice about events in the news, and the world in general, however I am always fired up about this topic.

Slavery – more people are now enslaved per capita than ever before in history.

Forced Labour: Workers are forced into labour under threat of violence, such as beating, rape or death. Even when workers comply, they are still at risk and they are often attacked, raped and murdered.

Bonded Labour: Someone is forced to work, to repay a debt, or money paid in advance. In some cases people are born into bonded labour supposedly repaying a family debt. This practice is illegal in many countries, and often people work in poor conditions that violate their human rights.

Child Labour: According to a UNICEF article I read last year, an estimated 218 million children aged 5-17 are engaged in child labour; excluding domestic labour. Many of these children are working in dangerous situations, affecting their health and development. Some are forced into pornography, paedophilia, prostitution, and are victims of trafficking.

Human Trafficking: The movement of people from one place to another – often by deceitful means. This is often for purposes of slavery, sexual exploitation, and includes the trade of babies for adoption. Human Trafficking is the 3rd most profitable criminal trade in the world, after drug smuggling and gun running.


Child Abuse – We are adults, it is our duty to protect ALL children from this, always.

Neglect: This can be the failure to provide basic necessities, for example: Adequate care; safe environment, appropriate shelter, nutritional food, educational opportunities medical care, and emotional support. It also includes failure to leave a child in the supervision of safe adults, and abandonment.

Violence: Children are suffering from violent attacks, either from their parents, or other trusted adults. Violence breeds violence, unfortunately it is often victims who become perpetrators – this is no excuse. There is NO acceptable excuse for physical violence against a child. (This is violence above and beyond a general tap or smack for misbehaving).

Sexual Abuse: This is any sort of inappropriate talk, touching or intercourse with an underage child. For some reason people are overtly concerned with stranger danger, and have a preconceived idea of what a paedophile looks like. The terrible truth is that these sick people look like someone you know - literally! In 90% of cases that are reported, the perpetrator is known to the victim, and is often a relative or trusted person known by the family.


Acknowledge that these things exist in our society; be aware; they are far more prevalent than you think. Open your eyes, your heart and your mouth; speak up for those that can't do so for themselves. Don’t be complacent, if you think something is wrong, do something about it, observe, investigate, seek advice and report wrong doings.

Say NO to offenses against human rights; especially against children. Lobby your local government, access the websites, donate your time, knowledge, resources or money. Educate yourelf and educate others, take ACTION, it cures APATHY, and it saves lives.

It is never too soon to start creating a world that you would want to live in!

Luisa Foliaki - Mother of MicroMe & MissyMe

Links to further reading on this topic:
Stop Child Slavery
Anti-Slavery - Bonded Labour
Human Trafficking
Australian Child Abuse
Learn Warning Signs of Possible Child Sexual Abuse

Chocolate Crimes

Original Post: March 2008 Minti

Does chocolate melt in your mouth?

So, you like your tasty treats, and sweets?

How much do you love chocolate or other cocoa products?

Would you exploit your child; whip beat or sell them into bonded labour to get some?

Do you think it is ok for another child to be punished; to labour or slave so you can get your fix?

Don't bury your head in the sand and blame commerce; the buck stops here; with each and every one of us, the end user; the consumer.

We are condoning their lack of compliance to the basic human rights of over 600,000 children by stuffing our greedy gobs with their chocolate and other ill gotten goods.



So you think the 'F' word is a dirty word?

Do you prefer the 'C' word, in fact, a few: Cocoa, coffee, carpets, cotton?

In your house right now, how many of these items and their derivatives would you have?

Are you sure where the food in your pantry, your clothes and your textiles really come from?

Would it matter to you if the person that made them was starving, wearing rags and lived in squalor?

How would you feel if you knew the child who picked your coffee beans was kidnapped from his/her parents by slave traders?

Make it clear to companies and your government that 'trying to do the right thing' doesn't cut it any more. Ask them to confirm the source of their products does not use trafficked children; child labour; bonded labour.



Talk is cheap, and what can you do anyway?

You can contact your favoured brands and clarify that their cocoa is child labour or slave labour free?

Do some research to educate yourself about this shameful global phenomenon and educate your family and friends, so that they too can make informed choices.

Now that ignorance isn't an excuse, can you enjoy coffees, chocolates and other products created by victims of child exploitation without choking it?

Could you seriously watch your children enjoying the taste of chocolate that another child may have died for?

Easter is just around the corner, and while the big companies continue to make profits, they are not going to question the origin of their cocoa supplies.

If you care about children of the world and human rights, encourage your favourite brands to use products that are ethical. Source Fairtrade alternatives and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

It is never too soon to start creating a world that you would want to live in!

Luisa Foliaki - Mother of MicroMe & MissyMe

Links to further reading on this topic:

UNICEF

World Vision Australia

Coalition To Stop The Use Of Child Soldiers

See The Invisible People

Original Post: March 2008 Minti

This isn't eloquent, nor well planned; neither is the life of the invisible people...

We live within a five minute drive of the CBD of the largest city in Australia.
The last bastion of leafy suburbs across the water from the concrete jungle.
My rule is to cross the bridge for recreation and entertainment purposes only.

A month ago, my circumstances changed and I have made the trip regularly.
I now carry collected coinage en mass from around the house before I venture out.
To oblige those who are less fortunate and lack the comfort and safety of a home.

On the first occasion that I ventured to meet a person of misfortune.
It was a man that expressed in writing that he wished to journey home.
I almost didn't as I thought what purpose would he really use the gift for?

As I lined up waiting to order a cappucino to warm me on that chilly day.
I realised I'd be home soon and it was none of my business what this man did.
His gratitude for that small donation, was warmer than any takeaway cappucino.

Yesterday, MicroMe accompanied me, and met those who are ignored by many.
A gentleman who may have had a habit; blessed us and bade us a good day.
We made our way toward the hospital; donated to Il Porcellino and wished together.

We spied a silver haired man, who hid his head in his hands seeming ashamed.
He was clean and well dressed, not a a gentlemen of the streets, but out of luck.
His sign said he didn't want to ask for help, he was so sorry and trying to get work.

Something about him struck a chord in my heart, he truly looked like a good man.
People threw small coins in his box, never looking; he tensed and cringed each time.
Leaving a respectful distance, I put some goldies in MicroMe's hot little hand.

MicroMe boldly strode over and held out the money; there was no reaction.
He took a step closer, tapped the man's shoulder and beamed his brightest smile.
He didn't flinch when the man jerked in fright; leaning forward he said 'here you go'.

That bright beaming smile, spread it's magic glow, and that sad face warmed.
My little man was thanked and his hand was duly shaken, and our day was made.
My heart was heavy when we left this man, he may not have been genuine, but many are.

They keep company with Emporio Armani Express and Prada shoppers.
Well heeled men and women rush past, seemingly oblivous on a daily basis.
Where 7's Sunrise and The Morning Show welcome in the day - Martin Place.

Of course they are amongst beautiful, historical Sydney Architecture.
They aren't far from beautiful Hyde Park and the lovely Botanical Gardens.
I am sure they didn't plan to have that lifestyle when they were children.

Yes, some are out to scam us, some are dangerous and some are mentally ill.
Then again, the same can be said for the housed population of the world.
Everyone was once a baby, a son, daughter and everyone deserves to be 'seen'.

Remember next time you see someone less fortunate, it isn't their choice.
Don't pretend not to see them; don't wrinkle your nose; don't laugh at them.
Show respect; teach your children to show respect; help however you can.

1. Contact your local government, or search online for charities in your area.
2. Donate anything; time, money, blankets, clothes, furniture, other resources.
3. Sponsor a street kid/youth, help toward their accommodation and education.


It is never too soon to start creating a world that you would want to live in!

Luisa Foliaki - Mother of MicroMe & MissyMe