The Fundación Unidos por la Niñez condemns the recent cases of trafficking in minors for sexual exploitation registered on the border between Panama and Costa Rica.
As a result of the binational operation “Luz de Esperanza” that is being carried out simultaneously between both countries, it was possible to rescue minors, who were allegedly victims of the crime of trafficking in persons for the purpose of child sexual exploitation.
The president and psychologist of the Fundación Unidos por la Niñez, Jennie Barb, maintained that “we are concerned about the fragile social reality that is being experienced, where children are victims and are unprotected. The authorities must take urgent measures to prevent these crimes, to support the recovery of the victims and, above all, to bring those involved to justice so that they cannot commit crimes again.”
“We condemn these types of acts and we will continue to work hard to protect the rights of children, and to prevent, treat and put an end to this horrendous crime,” he added.
Barb indicated that “we know that in the context of the Covid 19 pandemic, inequalities are increasing, with it extreme poverty and vulnerability to human trafficking. As a Foundation with seventeen years of work in the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse, we are concerned about the enormous risk to which our children are exposed”.
In recent days, the joint operation between the countries was known, with 12 raids at different points. As a result, at least three people were arrested and 10 minors were transferred for medical review.
