Operation Beautiful

Operation Beautiful - Good Deeds International is at it again!

Digital Story by: Louise Sawtell

Problem:

1) Logging companies from Malaysia are clear-cutting trees and not replanting -- the product is being sent to China. At current rate of cutting, no trees will be left in the Solomon Islands in less than 5 years.

2)Male workers (foreigners) in logging camps are engaging in the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) as young as 9 years old. Loggers are also using logging boats for the purposes of human/child trafficking.

Opportunities:

In July 2007, Sisters from the Church of Melanesia and a Lawyer from Australia with funding by UNICEF, conducted extensive research related to the problems associated with logging and the CSEC and trafficking within the logging camps. Given the Sisters' high status (spiritual leaders in a country that is 95% Christian) they were able to 'investigate' in a way that foreigners could not have. Their final report is based on individual interviews with communities and victims of abuse.

The affected communities have requested support from the Sisters to deal with the various problems associated with logging and the camps. Subsequently, there are recommendations for further research, CSEC + Trafficking awareness programs and equity in terms of sustainable tree harvesting.

Doing Good Deeds:

GDI met with the Sisters in the Solomon Islands in February, 2008. This included a site visit to Honiara located on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. GDI was invited by the Sisters to the Christian Care Center, the only women's shelter for domestic violence and abuse in the Solomons. Based on recommendations and community calls for support during this visit, GDI is coming back to the Solomon Islands to support counter child-trafficking via Operation Beautiful!

Join US...

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• child-trafficking
• solomon
• islands
• good
• deeds
• international
• louise
• sawtell
• aaron
• caldwell
• qut
• creative
• industries

[suitsushi]

Thank you very much. This is a very shocking portrayal of the situation in some parts of the Solomons. I am so sad to hear of the devastating news. You have created an empowering and very hard hitting video.

I look forward to further developments from your campaign and pray for your all your endeavours.

[WildMtnHoneyVideo]

BEAUTIFUL informative video!  I have saved to my faves and will pass the message along my friends! May ABUNDANT BLESSINGS fall upon you today and always...

Elizabeth

Prayers going up, Blessings coming down!