GODR LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN AGAINST COMMERCIAL SEXUAL

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 004763

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CAR (MCISAAC),WHA/PPC (FALLS),G/TIP
(LINDERMAN)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KDEM KJUS DR
SUBJECT: GODR LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN AGAINST COMMERCIAL SEXUAL
EXPLOITATION OF MINORS



1. On August 27 the GODR launched a hard-hitting campaign
against commercial sexual exploitation of minors. Billboards
in beach areas will bear the message, "In the Dominican
Republic, we protect our treasures. Our beaches, mountains,
monuments and our most precious treasure: our children." The
displays have already appeared in local press.


2. Commercials warning abusers about jail time for offenders
and traffickers will soon hit the airwaves. Brochures
promoting a child abuse prevention hotline and raising
awareness of sexual exploitation already have been
distributed with help from the National Association of Hotels
and Restaurants (ASONAHORES). The Ministry of Public Health
has also released a publication explaining the
inter-institutional commission's responsibilities to prevent
abuse, protect victims and prosecute criminals. This
multifaceted campaign is another step in the GODR's efforts
to address issues of trafficking in persons and acknowledges
the government's responsibility for proactive moves to
protect children's human rights.


3. The GODR organism responsible for the campaigns is the
Inter-institutional Commission Against the Abuse and
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents.
Vice-President (and Minister of Education) Milagros Ortiz
Bosch attended the kick-off. This commission, led by NGO
Idefa (Institute of the Dominican Family),includes
representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Relations,
Education, Labor, Women, and Tourism, the National Police,
and the Attorney General's office among others. Local
partner ILO-IPEC (with financial backing from the US
Department of Labor) and UNICEF are campaign sponsors along
with the governments of Italy and Germany.
HERTELL