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

The shell of the 2nd floor is now up and work continues to complete the wiring, plumbing, windows and floor tiles.

 Due to the earthquake in Haiti we are considering reinforcing the home with steel. We will have an engineer check the home and give a report soon. In anticipation of the need for steel fund raising continues.