Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lima (Fides Service) - The Church in Peru is particularly concerned for children and adolescents victims of abuse and varying degrees of violence. Figures issued by the National Family Welfare Institute with regard to violence against children due to terrorism in recent years particularly in the regions and Ayacucho the Lower Forest are frightening: 1.200 children killed, 12.000 mutilated, 30.000 orphans and an undetermined number of children suffering from varying degrees of psychological trauma. What is more from 2002 to April 2005 16,882 children and adolescents were not only victims of social and political violence they were also maltreated regularly or sporadically in the family or by outsiders in the following age groups: 15.39% were children under 5; 33.85% between 6 and 11 years; 50.76% between 12 and 17 years (government sources -PNCVFS - www.mimdes.gob.pe/pncvfs).
In view of this situation the Bishops’ Conference of Peru has dedicated this year’s annual Solidarity Campaign to children with the slogan “He who welcomes one of these little ones in my name welcomes me” (cfr Mt 18,5). The campaign consists of promoting reflection and activities all over the country on the theme “Child and Adolescent Abuse ”. The campaign will be presented at a media conference on 11 May at the Ermelinda Carrera Children’s Centre, San Miguel, Lima, by the general secretary of the Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Juan José Larrañeta, Vicar Apostolic of Puerto Maldonado. The Bishop, together with experts on child abuse and child-care will illustrate the theme chosen. The Church in Peru launches every year a Solidarity Campaign focused on a particular situation. The aim is to promote public awareness and initiatives to address existing problems and prevent such situations from arising in the future. The Campaign includes collection of funds at the national and parish level to support projects in favour of the population subject of the initiative dell’ iniziativa. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 10/5/2005, righe 28, parole 391)
