Global initiative launched to protect kids from exploitation

MANILA, Philippines — Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) is an international non-governmental organization committed to stopping child exploitation.

Since 1965, it has been protecting children around the world from violence, harmful child labor, trafficking, sexual exploitation, malnutrition and other health issues. TdH NL forms part of the Terre des Hommes International Federation (TDHIF), which is a network of nine organizations working for the rights of children and to promote equitable development. It currently holds a consultative status with the United Nations (UN), International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Council of Europe. As of 2022, TdH NL operates and implements its work through its nine country offices in Africa and Asia (including the Philippines), two regional offices located in Kenya and Cambodia, and the head office in The Netherlands.

Finding it necessary to do so, Terre des Hommes Netherlands recently embarked on a special project, a global research in Asia to find out how to better protect children from all forms of exploitation.

Titled “The Place of Intersection: Participatory Research to Update and Align Terre des Hommes Netherlands Cross-cutting Issues CCI,” the global research was launched at the B Hotel in Quezon City last September 7, and it talks about the principles that are essential to prevent and stop Child Exploitation, namely, Child Participation, Gender Mainstreaming, Inclusion of Children with Disabilities, and Minimum Standards of Alternative Care. The conduct of this study is in line with the organization’s commitment to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its central promise of “Leave no one behind.” The data that were gathered came from four countries — The Philippines, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Uganda — and contains valuable insights from children, communities and local civil society organizations (CSOs) present in these areas.

The research was able to identify good practices and areas for improving the organization’s programming at various socio-political levels under its new global strategy for 2023 - 2030 and strategic ambition. Moreover, it found out that, given the