NGOs alarmed by 'sale' of kids

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)