41 delegates of the Asian member churches of the United Evangelical Mission have met in Hongkong for the Asia Regional Assembly of the UEM. The delegates discuss about "Child poverty and Human trafficking as a challenge to the churches". "Hongkong is said to be the pearl of the East", Ki Yan Mak, chairman of the hosting Chinese Rheish Church (CRC), said in his opening speech. "But behind the rich facade of our city there are plenty of problems and many households have to live in poverty." Children are most likely to be struck by poverty and therefore are in the centre of UEM's discussions at the Regional Assemblies in Asia, Africa and Germany this year.
Ami: an example story
Ani*, a 14 year old daughter of the East Java rice farmer, dreamt of a better future. Her dream seemed to come true when a job agency promised her work and good money in Hongkong. But she was sent to Macao instead, her passport was taken away and the agency took all her salary. Ani's case is not an isolated one. Thousands of children face the same fate. These "illegal" immigrants do not get a chance in the society and are forced to prostitution, begging or crimes. Children are also oftenwars, sex tourism and internet pornography.
"A shame to our societies"
„Child poverty and child trafficking is an awful topic. It is a shame to our societies and churches, that children still have to live under such dreadful conditions", UEM moderator Regine Buschmann said. "But it is also a curageous topic. Breaking the silence empowers the victims."
Programmes and projects
In the coming days the delegate will discuss about possible projectts and programmes to fight child poverty and human trafficking in Asia. Thier suggestions will be taken to the UEM General Assembly 2014, which will discuss about the same topic in a global perpective. The delegates will also elect the Regional Board for the coming two years.
*name changed
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