CNN Report
(CNN) -- More than 50 children have been abducted in Haiti since the beginning of the year, adding to a trend of kidnappings in countries affected by violence, according to a United Nations Children's Fund report
"It is everyone's duty to ensure children are safe from harm, and governments have a responsibility to enact and enforce measures that provide a protective environment for all children," the agency said in a statement released Friday.
In countries torn by war, like the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iraq, food shortages and poverty have added to the already hellish conditions children live in. The youngest in unstable countries have become primary targets for armed groups who see them as commodities, the agency said.
In Haiti, UNICEF and local officials report that kidnapped children are being raped, tortured and murdered. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti has been working with the national police force to try to halt such crimes. They suspect that criminal gangs are responsible.
The agency reports that as many as 2,000 children a year are trafficked to the Dominican Republic, often with their parents' support. And about 1,000 children are working as spies, messengers or soldiers for armed gangs in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.
Earlier in the month, a demonstration was held in Haiti's capital after a 16-year-old hostage was murdered and other hostages had been raped and lynched, including infants, UNICEF said.
Freedom House news
Solar project
The electrical power needs for Freedom House have been met due to generous donations and fund raising efforts of many friends. $6,200 was raised to purchase and install 8 solar panels. The solar system provides the power required to run the refrigerator, freezer, lights, ceiling fans and water pump. We praise God for our friends that contributed to this important project. The house parents and children are very happy to finally have reliable power.
Second floor addition
We also praise God for the generous donations of our partners and friends from Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church in Carlisle PA and DGN Marketing in Mississauga Ont.
Fund raising efforts from these groups raised enough money to fund the construction of the 2nd floor exterior walls and roof. God willing the construction will begin on July 1-08.
Fund raising efforts will continue in Carlisle PA as the group contacts local businesses for donations of articles required to complete the interior of the 2nd floor addition.
Everything from electrical wire, bathroom plumbing fixtures, ceiling fans/lights, paint and furniture will be collected and shipped by container from PA to Haiti. The shipment will also include a large swing outdoor play structure ready to assemble for the children. When the container arrives at the home in Haiti we will have work crews ready to complete the interior of the addition.
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