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Dept for International Development

Answer

Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he has had with countries affected by the Asian tsunami regarding the sexual exploitation of children left (a) orphaned and (b) otherwise vulnerable, by the disaster; and what assistance the Government have given to help combat sexual exploitation of vulnerable children. [219717] Mr. Gareth Thomas: DFID has talked at length with affected governments and humanitarian agencies operating on the ground to ensure that the needs of all vulnerable groups are adequately met. In particular, DFID is supporting programmes through the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF). This includes £2,250,000 to UNICEF's Child Protection programmes in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. This programme includes assessments of the needs of children, the monitoring of vulnerable groups and advocacy on behalf of children with the relevant government bodies. DFID has also provided £400,000 to the Save the Children Fund's programme in Sri Lanka that includes child protection activities. DFID continues to monitor the situation, and its country offices are retaining strong links to non- governmental organisations and United Nations agencies as we move into the recovery phase.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

431 c1493W;431 c1487W; 219717

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Children Development aid International assistance Protection Offences against children Orphans Natural disasters Sexual offences Tsunami Indian Ocean

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk