On November 15, The Child Protection Compact Act (CPCA), a bill which would create international partnerships to stop child trafficking, will be voted on by the Senate. This historic bill will fight child trafficking not just within countries, but between them. But only if it passes. Contact your Senators today so they know you support it.
The CPCA was introduced in the House on June 5th by Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). Its goal is to provide assistance through the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons to “focus countries” — countries with a need and a will to stop child trafficking within and across their borders but without the means to do so. Focus countries would receive support to build effective public justice systems to investigate crimes against children and prosecute enough perpetrators to create a powerful deterrent, eventually eliminating the crime altogether. The legislation would also authorize more assistance for the aftercare of trafficking survivors.
This approach to irradicating child trafficking has seen great success in the hands of NGOs like the International Justice Mission, whose field offices have seen significant decreases in crimes against children wherever their prosecutors can work in tandem with willing governments to bring perpetrators to justice. That’s why IJM, World Vision, and other child advocacy groups are now supporting a similar bill introduced to the Senate on March 25th by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), called the Child Protection Compact Act 2010 (S.3184).
In September, child advocates around the country contacted their Senators and urged their support of the CPCA. Because of all the constituent support, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the bill unanimously. The CPCA also gained seven additional co-sponsors in the Senate and the bill was sent to the Senate floor for a vote. Sadly, the bill was held up at the last minute and Congress adjourned for elections before the vote could occur.
But on November 15th, Congress returns to Washington for a “lame duck” session, giving child advocates one last opportunity to pass this urgent legislation. The bill’s sponsors plan to bring it to the floor as soon as they can, so it’s urgent that you tell your Senators you want them to pass this legislation. Sign this petition now and, on November 15th, call Senate offices for IJM’s National Call In Day. IJM even has a helpful call-in script you can use and will send you an e-mail reminder on the 15th if you sign their call-in pledge.
The five minutes it will take to sign this petition and make this call could save thousands upon thousands of children from being trafficked. Use your Constitutional voice and support the Child Protection Compact Act 2010.
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