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To reduce cases of exploited children, victims of trafficking or abuse and to minimize the risks associated with the migration of youth, Terre des hommes has implemented in early 2015, a project of prevention and awareness in Ecuador. The goal is to create a protective environment within aboriginal communities in Cotacachi Canton, located in the north of the country. To achieve this, it is necessary to empower communities in terms of prevention and protection of their children, and raise awareness about trafficking and exploitation.
Raising awareness of children's rights
Various prevention activities were held in the communities of Cotacachi Canton: theater, music workshops, and a camp attended by more than one hundred children from four of the Canton communities. During this camp, the children took part in fun activities related to children's rights, domestic violence and child labour.
The Union of Peasant and Indigenous Organisations of Cotacachi (UNORCAC), the leading political organisation in the region, is an important ally of the project. Its "Youth Committee" has prepared educational and awareness content used in communal activities and during the camp.
Prevent risks of migration
The "Youth Committee" of the UNORCAC also created a theater group called Napash Purina, particularly focused on topics related to trafficking and exploitation of children through labour.
The group produced a radio spot (in Spanish and Quechua language) on the risks of migration for professional purposes. Aired on a local radio station, the spot aims to raise awareness of the problem of child labour exploitation.
In 19-year-old Carlos’ words: “I would never advise other young people to leave with traffickers. Working with them is very hard, they deceive you because they do not pay you, and they throw you out on the street when you don’t bring back enough money. And it's very hard to find yourself alone.” Carlos was a victim of exploitation from the ages 14 to 17 in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Creating a protective environment
Through advocacy, Terre des hommes is working on setting up a support network for children, including state structures, traditional and civil society.
Establishing a protective environment within aboriginal communities allows:
- The prevention of risky migration at its places of origin;
- The protection of migrant children at destinations;
- And facilitating the reintegration of children in a more stable situation at their places of origin or destinations.
Terre des hommes is improving the living conditions of more than two million children and their families each year. Learn more about our projects in Ecuador.
