NGOs alarmed by 'sale' of kids

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Social workers and non-governmental organization (NGO) activists here are worried that economic difficulties have forced some impoverished parents to sell their children, especially girls.

Antara quoted Siti Noer Laila, chairwoman of the Institute for the Studies and Advocacy for Women and Children (ELSAPA), as saying in the capital of Lampung Saturday that her group would check reports about the selling of girls by families in some slum areas, and find any way to help.

"What will happen to those girls? I am afraid they'll be abused," she said.

Chusnan Yusuf, the head of the provincial social services offices, first drew attention to the abuses occurring because of the worsening economic situation.

He claimed to know of 10 families who "sold" their teenage daughters for prices of Rp 400,000 to Rp 500,000 (US$35) in order to meet with daily needs.

He described the cases as "the tip of the iceberg" and said many others went undetected. He did not elaborate on what he meant by selling, or give details about the families. (swe)