If for many people Human Rights are nothing more than 'wet paper', thousands of children see daily as their 'rights' are systematically annulled. The vulnerability of children causes alarming situations that jeopardize the integrity and dignity of children.
The globalization of information allows us to discover realities that we would not want for our children, however we live in a world that prioritizes individual values over collective ones, and many times communities are not able to protect the little ones.
We talked recently that the Children's Registry can facilitate the recognition of rights in many children around the world. But it is not only the only measure to take, because more decisive action is necessary in countries considered as 'transit and destination' of children treated for sexual exploitation. Spain is one of those countries (we already knew that), and according to the Ombudsman, the state security forces and bodies detected in 2011 more than 1000 victims of human trafficking, and among them were little girls. The cases detected are nothing more than the signal that indicates that something is not working well in this regard, because most likely the actual figures far exceed these numbers.
Since the approval and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to combat trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation, in 2008, in Spain there have been significant advances in the awareness of society and public authorities in the situation of victims of trafficking. However, there has been no progress in relation to underage victims
Forgotten children, vulnerable children
Every time an irregular child arrives in Spain, you must assess the risk situation and investigate properly. This would be specified in channeling efforts to verify the relationship of minors with their companions.
I think it is not about dramatizing or accusing anyone who crosses our borders irregularly carrying children, but to provide a coordinated response that allows them to meet the needs of these families, prioritizing minors. And while allowing rule out that the child will not run any risky situation.
No doubt there are no specific resources, and certainly also some of the agents involved in the identification of children, need specific training, so the actions must be coordinated and seek effectiveness.
What is necessary to tackle the problem of trafficking in Spain?
Adopt a new Comprehensive plan to combat trafficking in human beings that includes specific measures for the correct identification of underage victims and for their adequate protection, care and recovery.
Guarantee the agent specialization that intervene or eventually may intervene in the identification of trafficked children.
Assign the material and human resources necessary for the specific and adequate care of children victims of trafficking in human beings, guaranteeing the existence of a sufficient number of specific protection centers for girls and boys victims of trafficking, where they can receive adequate care for their needs and ensure their safety.
(All of them are included in the Childhood Agenda 2012/2015 of Save the Children).
I think it is clear that an unprotected child is much more vulnerable, and may be 'targeted' by illegal actions such as its use for sexual exploitation.
