Children

11 year old, Saraa Barhoum, Hamas TV’s child star says she’s ready for martyrdom. The star of Hamas television’s most famous children’s show, “Tomorrow’s Pioneers”. The very same Hamas television children’s show that brought us the ‘militant Mickey Mouse look-alike’, Farfour, that was killed by an Israeli interrogator. Saraa said she was ready to be a martyr, although in her interview she gave no indication of how she would be willing to enter into martyrdom.

Colorful backgrounds and cartoon images, do not take away from the adult content that is aired on Hamas children’s television. While the image of a Mickey Mouse look alike, may have shocked many, the message of martyrdom isn’t new on Hamas Children’s shows, nor is it new in the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. Farfour, was quickly replaced with, Nahoul the Bee, who has not only showed children the road to martyrdom, but cruelty to animals. Although in the segment, below, with Nahoul the Bee, was somewhat scolded on the show by Saraa, for his actions, the episode used to be an example to illustrate Jewish behaviors, and place Palestinian behavior as superior.

One cannot condone in any manner, the use of animal cruelty, to teach children any lesson. However the real debate over Hamas TV shows, such as “Tomorrow’s Pioneers”, is the teaching of martyrdom and racism. Regardless of your side on the historical or political issues of the conflict, the use of children for political propaganda is completely unacceptable, regardless of whether it is coming from the Jewish or Palestinian side.

Nahool: “You and we will liberate the sad Al-Aqsa that is waiting for us. Yes, we will liberate Al-Aqsa from the filth of the criminal Jews, who killed my grandfather, and killed Farfur, and history will bear witness to that…” (“Jihad Bee” Calls for Child Martyrs on Hamas TV)

Children are already influenced by their parents, family members and friends, in the ways of Jihad, and now with cartoons and other children promoting martyrdom, are children only being led down one path? Children are truly little sponges, who absorb all that is said and enacted around them, if hate is all they see and hear, then hate is all they will know. A large portion of todays Palestinian youth are being raised to hate, kill and die, leaving a future generation of adults with little to look forward to.

Article 17 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, “States Parties recognize the important function performed by the mass media and shall ensure that the child has access to information and material from a diversity of national and international sources, especially those aimed at the promotion of his or her social, spiritual and moral well-being and physical and mental health.”

This includes To this end, States Parties shall:
(a) Encourage the mass media to disseminate information and material of social and cultural benefit to the child and in accordance with the spirit of article 29;
(e) Encourage the development of appropriate guidelines for the protection of the child from information and material injurious to his or her well-being, bearing in mind the provisions of articles 13 and 18.

It is a clear that the use of harmful cartoon messages, and children to promote martyrdom, is a clear violation of a child’s human rights. The Palestinian Authority and the international community must crack down on such abuses of children.  As for Saraa Barhoum, we can only hope that her role in promoting other children to give their lives in the name of Palestine, comes to an end, as does her desire to follow the path of a martyr.  Children are not the weapons of war, but the hope of the future, and we must work as an international community to ensure they remain as such.

There is no sleep for the weary eyed young workers of Japan, as a new generation struggles to enter into the job market and leave life in the lower class behind. While the struggle of a young and aspiring professional, or labor, is nothing new, the true gap of classes in Japan is reveling its self through the new generation of workers.

A report has shown that around ‘75% of Japan’s Internet cafes provide shelter to regular overnight guests who are too poor to afford rent or cannot go home’. These young people are literally living at Internet cafes and manga kissa (comic book cafes), many of which have sofas, meals, sometimes showers at low cost, and some even sell underwear. ” The report has prompted Japan to launching a study into so-called “Net cafe refugees”, who are feared to become a new class of working poor. The Japanese’s government has become concerned that the numbers of “Net cafe refugees” is only growing, most of which are young day laborers, who cannot afford the cost of renting an apartment, or afford to travel home during the week. ‘A five-hour stay at an Internet cafe in Tokyo costs about 3,000 yen (25 dollars) with a meal served. Showers are available at 200 yen for 30.’ (AFP)

The study looks to reveal some grave concerns for the Japanese government, and show the increasing gap in the social classes of this so-called fairly equal society. It appears that a lot needs to be done regarding fair wages and labor standards, or there will be a new generation of children with little to look forward to.

No matter what you say, or what you do, it all leaves a mark on the children around you. A child who witnesses violence and war, is forever scared by what they see. A child who hears nothing but negative, cannot erase the voice that says, “you can’t”. But the child who witnesses peace and love, will carry that with them forever and continue to share hope for the future.

We cannot erase the mistakes of the past, but we can leave a bigger impression on a child with hope, than with despair.

Any time that a child spends in a refuge camp, isn’t ideal, and is usually ripe for children’s rights violations. However many children in refugee camps around the world, know no other life outside the camps, and Somalian children in Kenya are no exception. The question is, when and how can they leave life in the camps behind? The sad truth is no one knows, and leaving is not an option that looks to resolve it’s self in the near future.

Unemployment in the camps is continuing to increase, as jobs are far and few in between.  While many children have been unable to continue their education, as an estimated 2,000 children have been able to pass the secondary school entrance exams, others seem to have little advantage with an education.  Education in the camps seems to have little value, regardless if a child moves on to secondary education or vocational training, the high unemployment leaves little room for hope at employment opportunities. Regardless of high levels of unemployment, education still has an incredible value in the camps to most parents. Therefore while free education heavily outweighs the unknown instability that awaits many back in Somalia, others question the point of an education that they have no outlet to use.

“I‘ve stayed in the camp for 11 years and now I am about to finish grade four in secondary school. I think that after that I will just go somewhere else. Perhaps I might go back to Somalia, my country, without even waiting for repatriation. There is not peace there, but at least there is a life. If you manage not to be killed or robbed, then you can have a normal life there,” said 17-year-old refugee, Abdi. (Which way out of the camps for Somalia’s young refugees?)

 

Photo: Department of State

Children’s organizations in the camps have placed considerable effort and resources into eduction on other children’s rights issues, especially Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)/Female Circumcision. The efforts to end FGM in the camps have been a great success, as has disease preventions, such as promoting the use of treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria.

Returning to Somalia is not a viable option for adults or youth alike, as the country is still embattled with the conflict between the country’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC). Thus the indefinite nature of life in the camps has many worrying that the efforts in the camp are not enough.  Concern that the ngo’s and governments are not looking at resources and services that are enabling the refugees for the long run, nor the return home, when ever that may be.

“What the UNHCR has been doing is to find short-term solutions for a very long time. We need a real solution, not another emergency one,” said Mohammed, 24. (Which way out of the camps for Somalia’s young refugees?)

Other concerns in the camp, are the over all health conditions of children, and with chronic malnutrition of children in the camps now above the emergency level, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP). The WFP is now launching an appeal in conjunction with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“The malnutrition crisis that we are witnessing in the refugee camps in Kenya is the cumulative effect of years of recurrent budgetary shortfalls,” said UNHCR acting representative Eddie Gedalof. “Year after year we are unable to fully meet refugees’ needs for firewood, soap and other essential commodities. We must get to the core of the issue if we are to eradicate malnutrition in the camps.”(UN agencies seek funds to help hungry refugee children in Kenya).

The instable situation in Somalia, and the uncertainty of returning home, has placed many youths at risk for being recruited to join the Islamic Courts’ Militia. Others are at high risk to return home only to find themselves caught up in the instable environment, and discover only poverty, unemployment and violence awaits them. Unfortunately the questions that weighs heavy on the minds of all Somalian refugees, ‘When can we go home?’, remains unanswered.

“When a woman is not educated, all the nation is in danger, because it is the woman who gives the basic education to the children.”-Arthur Omar Kayumba, 16, a member of DRC’s Children’s Parliament (Children’s Parliament’ Sets High Bar in Congo)

Children are giving out legal advise and harsh warnings to others, including adults, in the Democratic Republic’s Children’s Parliament. The Children’s Parliament is composed of 150 child members, all under the age of 17.  These children work on their own accord and seek little advice or supervision from adults. Established in 2002 with the support of UNICEF, and inaugurated in September 2003 with 36 members, and receiving international recognition for the promotion of children’s rights.

The work of the Children’s Parliament is no joke, and there rulings are no laughing matter, these children work hard and their hard work and dedication to both human rights and the development of their country has quickly surpassed many of their adult counterparts. This year alone they have heard over 150 cases, and while most are brought forward by children, they are seeing an increasing number of cases from adults, mostly women. While the rulings may not be legally binding, the support given to the community is undeniable. When rulings are not followed the Children’s Parliament will contact the Special Police.

Once can easily see that the Children of the DRC’s Children’s Parliament are not just tomorrows leaders, but the leaders of today. These children are the hope for the future of a nation ravished by over a decade of armed conflict and civil unrest, and the future looks brighter with minds like theirs at the helm.

“When I see such kinds of problems, it makes me think that in the future, I will become a man of revolution to fight against this mistreatment of children. All the world knows Congo is a big, rich country, and I would make it worthy of its name. I want to be president of the republic,” said 14 year old Eddy Musoke, the parliament’s adviser on protection for children (Children’s Parliament’ Sets High Bar in Congo).

The children the Congo, have faced struggle and hardship, on all sides of the the conflict The DRC is one of the poorest countries, even though it is one of richest in resources in the world. Child Alert published a report in 2006, illustrating the high price Congolese children where paying for war.  And while it is more than apparent that much needs to be done to bring peace and stability to the children of the Congo, many of the Congolese children themselves are not going to sit idly by and wait for the adults to give it to them.  Children inherit the sins of their fathers, so to speak, but the children of the DRC’s Child Parliament, refuse to make the same mistakes as their forefathers.  Their youthful wisdom and positive outlook for the future, is sure to benefit not only the children of the DRC, but children around the world.

Children’s Parliaments are Azerbaijan, which was introduced earlier this summer. Other countries with Children’s Parliaments include, India, Great Brittan, Jerusalem, Iran, Palestine, France, Iraq, and many others. The Children’s State has a full list of Children’s Parliaments and other relevant information.  Children, especially children of conflict, are often wise beyond their years, and we must not turn our heads away from them.  Children are the future leaders, and when allowed to grow and prosper they can teach us something about humanity, and give us hope for peace.

Last week I wrote the post, Toys that will make you sick, about the recall of imported toys from China, due to led paint. Over the weekend, Cheung Shu-hung, the co-owner of Lee Der Industrial Co., the company that manufactured recalled Mattel toys, hung himself in one of the company warehouses. Cheung’s apparent best friend was the supplier of the “fake” paint, which he claimed he was unaware of (Head of China toy company kills self)

The suicide of Cheung Shu-hung, is just one death related to tainted Chinese exports, as just over a month ago the former State Food and Drug Administration director Zheng Xiaoyu, was executed. Zheng had been sentenced in May for taking bribes to speed drug approvals., of which he admitted to during his hearing. Most in the west found the execution of Zheng Xiaoyu to be unfitting, or harsh, for the crime, and the suicide of Cheung Shu-hung shocking.

The newest recalls came this Monday as Chinese-made hotel toothpaste is recalled. Gilchrist & Soames has now recalled its 18-milliliter or 0.65-ounce tubes, as the company sample tubes contained diethylene glycol, ‘a chemical found in antifreeze and can be toxic to the kidneys and liver’.

While suicides and executions are extreme measures in any case, it highlights the scale of the problem with Chinese imports. When push came to shove, the finger of blame was always directed at someone else. The manufactures blame the production factories, and the factories blame the suppliers, but who is really to blame. Some blame the US government for not having better standards and regulations for imports, others the Chinese government for not ensuring that safety standards are adhered to, and then some blame the consumers for our want of excess at any cost. The truth is the blame is to be shared, we can’t just keep pointing our fingers and not keep our eyes on the situation. If we want safe products for our children, then we have to demand better control systems are put into place, at all levels. Long gone are the days of impulse buying, as safety and health have no guarantee at the cash register.

UPDATE, 23:00 August 14, 2007: This post was put up early in the morning on August 14, 2007, however in the hours following the post the story has once again taken another turn with more toy recalls. Today 9 million toys where recalled by Mattel over fears that they may have lead paint, or small magnets which could be swallowed by a child. The recalled toys included an array of Polly Pockets, Doggie Day Care, and Batman. The recall of the Polly Pocket toys, are a follow-up recall to a 2005 voluntary recall of 4.4 toys, originally pulled due to an issue with the magnets, which attach the dolls clothing, falling off. A 7 year old girl got a serious infection after swallowing the magnets in 2005, and commenting on the recall today and her daughters near fatal incident, the girls mother, said “It should have been done two years ago, when my daughter almost died,”

 

Mattel chief executive Bob Eckert said, “There is no guarantee that we will not be here again and have more recalls,” Eckert said. “We are testing at a very high level here.” (Mattel issues new massive China toy recall)

The following article from Parenting Magazine, may be of great use to many parents out there who find themselves again searching their child’s room for toxic toys. How to take away recalled toys with fewer tears

A right of passage into manhood or a dangerous abusive practice, that is killing many innocent boys? In Africa the debate has grown heavy in recent months, after the UN recommended male circumcision as a form of HIV/AIDS prevention. But for many the rite of passage is done in a rather primitive manner, and has led to death for around 20 boys, and another 100 hospitalized in South Africa’s Eastern Cape in the last month alone. The South African government isn’t standing by and idly watching, they are Clamping down on botched circumcisions. It was six years ago, when legislation was introduced requiring traditional those who preform circumcisions to obtain permission from a certified medical officer. A license must also be obtained for each circumcision school, the school must also be inspected by health department officials. Unfortunately children are still being maimed, getting infections, or dying from circumcisions, despite the laws.
So what is the problem?

“The problem, according to Sizwe Kupelo, is that unskilled surgeons and quacks are now catering to people trying to avoid the lengthy legal route. Young boys are running away from home to be circumcised by illegal surgeons who do not demand consent forms signed by officials and parents; some underage boys and their parents lie, telling surgeons the youngsters are 18.”

Henderson Dweba, who is head of traditional health services for thee Eastern Cape health department, stated that is an becoming more of a trend to see a Western-trained doctor, over a traditional one.

“But this is still a small percentage … there is too much stigma attached to this method for a lot more people to consider it. The outside world doesn’t realize the significance of it all. When you do it the traditional way, you are crossing the Rubicon into manhood.” (At the Cutting edge - male circumcision and HIV)

The international debate on male circumcision has gone on for many years, across the globe, but issues in many African nations goes deeper than religion or cultural belief. The real issue and concern with male circumcision, is are boys being put at risk, or needlessly dying? The answer is yes, and therefore we must look at the issue from a standpoint of the rights of the child to life, health and safety, in for no other reason. Regardless of your views on male circumcision, one must agree that this is a medical procedure, regardless of cultural rites of passage, and must be preformed in clean and safe environments, by medical professionals who are prepared to deal with any side effects or procedural problems.

“It is necessary to advocate full respect for these human rights for all children, boys and girls alike. By condemning one practice and not the other, another basic human right, namely the right to freedom from discrimination, is at stake. Regardless whether a child is a boy or a girl, neither should be subject to a harmful traditional practice (Male Circumcision and the Rights of the Child).”

Other than a health issue, if a boy is forcibly circumcised under tribal conditions, or similar, then this is a clear violation of the child’s human rights. To many the issue of male circumcision is seen with little difference to female genital mutilation. However while many argue the health benefits, even when done under medical super vision, the situation must be given a separate set of eyes in the opinion of others.  All can agree that dying is not a rite of passage!

On Sunday Washington, D.C. saw a new form of political statement and advocacy, as one local group of concerned citizens and activists took to the football pitch. Amid the midday summer sun the DC Fight Trafficking and Modern Slavery Meet Up group took on the Washington Soccer Society in a “Free to Play” soccer match. The game was to promote a new fair trade soccer ball, which is guaranteed free from slavery, and promote the fight to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. In true anti-slavery fashion the group, who is also known as “Stop Modern Slavery“, made sure the team shirts where 100% slave free, and that is one fashion item that will never go out of style.

The battle for the ball was fierce, as the “Stop Modern Slavery” team worked as hard as ever in the name of anti-trafficking and slavery. The event raised awareness about the fight against modern day slavery, and the new slavery free soccer ball, as well as other fair trade items. While the “Stop Modern Slavery” team, lost this fight on the pitch, but the local DC Trafficking group is not prepared to loose the battle against modern day slavery and human trafficking. While this group of concerned citizens and activists may not be looking to go pro anytime soon, they will fight the fight for the enslaved, on or off the pitch.

This is one game that scored more than goals, as the fever on the pitch wasn’t your usual trash talk or banter, as the ‘Stop Modern Slavery’ team educated their opponents, in between goals and on water brakes. The Washington Soccer Society, where a great support and opponent, and they have surely never learned as much on the pitch as they did on Sunday. It was truly a day of educational fun and real team work from both sides, not to mention another milestone in the battle against modern day slavery and human trafficking.

The only cheers from the sidelines where, S-T-O-P S-L-A-V-E-R-Y N-O-W! Tourists and locals alike enjoyed the spectacle on the Mall, and though curious about the red shirts blazing down the field, they where even more curious to learn about the fight against modern day slavery. With the sun blazing and spirits high, the match was both full of fun and awareness. A game is truly often more than just a game, as these two teams proved as they converged to battle it out in the shadow of the Capital and Lincoln Memorial.

A 9 year old boy in Pakistan, one of many child labors who often suffer pain and permanent injuries, such as ongoing finger, back and neck strain. (Photo: ILO)

Why is human trafficking and slavery currently such a major issue? Human trafficking is spreading more rapidly than ever before and effects every country from South Africa to Russia, including America. According to the State Departments Trafficking in Persons Report, some 600,000-800,000 persons are victims of trafficking each year. These victims are mostly woman and children, many used as sex slaves, or forced to endure harsh labor. The numbers do not always include those who remain enslaved in there own countries, and the true numbers of trafficked persons are much higher. Prices for these modern day slaves are at an all time low, while profits remain high, thus it is worse now than during the days of legalized slavery. Humans have literally become disposable commodities, used for all one can squeeze out of them and then thrown away like garbage when there is nothing left to squeeze.

The soccer ball used in Sundays game was produced by Talon Sports, (for fair trade specific info follow the links to About Trade) and supplied by Fair Trade Sports, in Pakistani. Pakistan is responsible for more than 70% of US soccer ball imports, and for almost 100 years the industry has been known for using child labor. However thanks to the efforts of many child labor activists a great deal has been achieved in the last decade. Talon also supplies Fair Trade balls for rugby, volleyballs, footballs, and basketballs. Talon will begin production on baseballs, softballs and soft-core training baseballs in the fall. While the slavery free sports balls are new to Talon, they are not the first, or only company to produce fair trade sports equipment, see the links following the article for more information.
Companies such as Nike where thrust into the spotlight over child labor speculations and violations, for which Nike pulled production out of Pakistan last November, however this May Nike Resumed Soccer Ball Production in Pakistan. In February 1997, the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) signed the “Atlanta Agreement”, establishing the Project to Eliminate Child Labour in the Soccer Ball Industry in Pakistan. The agreement led to the external monitoring of registered stitching centers, however much of the industry remained unregistered and continued to use child labor, much of which was, and is done in private homes to avoid detection. The Sialkot Initiative report for 2007, has addressed much still needs to be done, including increasing monitoring efforts to prevent child labor. Unfortunately poverty still reigns and monitoring only keeps much of child labor hidden in the shadows.Through the efforts of such groups at the DC Fight Against Trafficking and Modern Slavery Meet-up, and so many others dedicated to stamping out slavery once and for all, we can look to a future where all children will be “Free to Play”. Children and parents can rest easy knowing that there is a soccer ball that in no way was made by the hands of slaves. Through the use of the slave free soccer ball, advocacy, awareness, education and so many dedicated persons and groups, we hope to see the freedom for all children who are currently enslaved, or at risk of becoming enslaved.

Young girls working long hours stitching soccer balls for the international market. (Photo: ILO)

 

Get you slave fee sports balls today, and start playing fair and free!

Links:
An inhuman price
RESPECT - Fair Trade Sports
Made By Survivors
The Emancipation Network (TEN)
Ten Thousand Villages
Global March Against Child Labor
Equita - Essentials for Ethical Living - Fair Trade
Global Conduct
Fair Trade Resource Network
Fair Deal Trading -UK
Fair Go Trading - Australia
Fair World Sports - Canada
Fair Trade UK
World Centric
Social Conscience
Etiko Sports -Australia and New Zealand
SCIC Fair Trade Project - Canada
Sweatshop Watch - Has a shopping guide
Make Trade Fair
Fairtrade Foundation
Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International (FLO)
Fair Trade Federation
Support Fair Trade
Fair Trade Resource Network
Fair Trade Federation
Global Exchange
IFAT - The international Fair Trade Association
Transfair USA
Co-op America
Two Hands World Shop
KIDS and FAIR TRADE - A Teacher’s and Parent’s Guide

At the UN, youth stress efforts to promote development, as on Friday, August 10th, some 200 plus young people from around the world began celebrations for International Youth Day. This year’s theme is “Be seen, be heard: youth participation for development.”

Other events where held around the world to honor and encourage the young people, who are our next generation of leaders. ‘International Youth Day is celebrated every year on 12 August, providing an opportunity to recognize the world’s 1.2 billion young people, to celebrate their achievements and to push for their participation in all areas of society and development.’

War, drought, heavy flooding, poor health care and education are plaguing many children in Afghanistan. UNICEF appeals for more aid to help women, children as the country has one of the highest child and maternal mortality rates in the world, with 1,600 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, and one in four children die before their fifth birthday, according to the UN. “Seven percent [of children] suffer from acute malnutrition and 54 percent of them are chronically malnourished,” UNICEF said. More than half of primary school age Afghan children, about two million, are deprived of schooling, UNICEF says.

Ethiopia, female circumcision on the decline in the southern region, however NGOs say it could decrease even further if laws and penalties where enforced. Under Ethiopian Penal Code, FGM carries a punishment of imprisonment of no less than three months, or a fine. According to official statistics, FGM has decreased from 80% in 2000 to 74% in 2005.

Election campaign in Sierra Leone focuses on youth With unemployment well over 50%, the countries youth find themselves conflicted with an abundance of time and few options, which could lead to problems as many are former child soldiers. While few observers believe civil war will break out again, the UN Secretary General’s report in May said, high rates of unemployment is a major issue which could threaten the country’s already fragile situation. Sierra Leone’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended that “youth questions be viewed as a national emergency.” ‘Yet five years after war’s end and four years after the creation of government “youth policy,” many rights activists say the issue is largely still ignored, to the country’s peril.’

Nigeria, a land of guns, gangs, drugs feed growing delta violence has been growing recently, as has the gun culture among many youth. “Most of those carrying weapons are youths aged 16-25,” and a study in 2004 commissioned by Royal Dutch Shell, the biggest oil multinational in Nigeria, estimated 1,000 died each year, mostly youth, in violence the between rival militia groups. See the earlier post on kidnappings in Nigeria. “What we are witnessing are some of the worst manifestations of a social crisis that has been festering in the delta and the country as a whole in the past three decades,” said Pius Waritimi, a sculptor and art teacher who runs a government-backed skills training scheme for youth in Port Harcourt.

SYRIA: UNHCR urges more Iraqi refugees to attend schools UNHCR launched a “Back to School’ campaign aimed at getting more Iraqi children in Syria into local schools. Currently there are only 35,000 out of an estimated 250,000 school-aged Iraqi children enrolled in Syrian schools, despite the government’s offer of free education for all Iraqi children. Many Iraqi refugees believe education for their children will cost money, or jeopardize their residency in Syria. “It is not possible to find a school,” said Mohammed Taha, There is no place in the schools in Syria and they are too expensive.” UNICEF, UNHCR and the Syrian Ministry of Education launched the media campaign to raise awareness of the free schooling available to Iraqi refugees, as well as to strengthen the facilities on offer. Education programs are essential as there are an estimated 1.5 million Iraqis already in Syria and another 30,000 arriving each month.