On Friday, celebrating International Human Rights Day in advance (Sunday, December 10), the European Union and Association of Volunteers in the International Service (AVSI) launched the project "Pwoteje'm se dwa'm".

Lasting two years and with an envelope of 625,000 Euros (± 45 million gourdes) 70% of which is provided by the European Union, this project aims to defend the rights of children who are victims of exploitation, discrimination, trafficking and abandonment in three departments of Haiti (North, North East and West). "Pwoteje'm se dwa'm" will be implemented in partnership with, among others, the Jesuit Migrant Service (SJM) and the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (IBESR).

On the occasion of the launching ceremony, the Ambassador of the European Union, Vincent Degert, declared "December 10th will mark the beginning of a year of events for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration human rights [...] However, translating the promises of the Declaration into reality requires ongoing and substantial efforts. In this context, I am delighted that we have [...] come together to launch new concrete actions in the field. In this case, for the next two years, we will help children in vulnerable areas, where the needs are most acute."

The project will support 600 vulnerable children and 150 families of origin or reception, through psychosocial assistance and educational support. In addition, children's rights in state and non-state institutions for the protection of children in targeted departments and communities will be promoted. The action will directly involve local authorities, the Minors Protection Brigade, 40 school directors, 240 teachers, 6,000 school children and 40 community-based organizations.

HL/ HaitiLibre