MADAGASCAR, 10 December 2003 - At the official launch of a national campaign to end child sexual exploitation in Madagascar, UNICEF and ILO presented the resumes of three studies that highlighted the sexual exploitation of children in Madagascar. According to the UNICEF-sponsored study, between 30 per cent to 50 per cent of all sex workers in two of country's main cities, Nosy Be and Tamatave, were children under the age of 18.
This high profile launching ceremony, attended by the Ministers of Culture, Tourism and Population, along with senior representatives from the Ministries of Justice, Communication and Labor, members of the diplomatic corps, multi- and bi-lateral agencies and the nation's press, was sponsored by the President of the Republic himself.
A key highlight of the event, in addition to the presentation of the studies, was the viewing of a film, produced with UNICEF support, that depicted the story of two sisters and their struggle to overcome adversity. In telling the story of how one sister was lured into prostitution, while her younger sibling remained steadfast in her studies, the film successfully communicates the dangers of sexual exploitation, AIDS and the importance of education.
For more information, please contact:
Misbah M. Sheikh
UNICEF Madagascar
Tel: (261-20) 22 626 45/46
Fax: (261-20) 22 628 45
Email: msheikh@unicef.org
