BACKGROUND:  In countries around the world, millions of children are forced into a life on the streets. These “street children” are – tragically – found in almost every country in the world.  They are part of a vast population of children who live in abject poverty and are particularly vulnerable to abuse.  Some are used by criminal gangs.  Others are trafficked and exploited, sexually and for forced labor.  Many end up as child soldiers.  They are murdered by vigilantes. Still others are incarcerated in adult prisons, where they are victimized even further.    

Worldwide, millions of street children will go to sleep tonight not knowing if their next day will be their last.  Their numbers continue to increase due to war, natural disasters and the spread of disease.  Greater numbers of girls are among those afflicted; their ages getting younger, their vulnerability growing higher.  This tragic problem jeopardizes the development and preservation of prosperous, democratic societies.  This hearing will, in particular, focus on the street children in Brazil, the Philippines, Uganda and Zimbabwe. 

WHAT: Subcommittee Oversight Hearing
               Protecting Street Children: Vigilantes or the Rule of Law?

               U.S. Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), Chairman

WHEN: 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2005

WHERE:  Room 2172 Rayburn House Office Building

Panel I

Mr. David Denehy: Director of Strategic Planning and External Affairs, Bureau of
                                  Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State

Mr. Lloyd Feinberg: Manager, Displaced Children and Orphans Fund, U.S. Agency for                       
                                   International Development

Panel II

Lord David Alton, House of Lords, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Panel III

Father Shay Cullen: Founder, Preda Foundation, Philippines

Ms. Teresa Santos: Network Coordinator, Rede Viva-RJ, Brazil

Mr. Andy Sexton: International Coordinator, Children at Risk, OASIS International