U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations, held a hearing today exposing the growing plague of “street children” in Brazil, the Philippines, Uganda and Zimbabwe. 

    These children – tragically found in almost every country in the world – number into the hundred millions, live in abject poverty and are particularly vulnerable to abuse. Some children are murdered by vigilantes, used by criminal gangs or become child soldiers. Others are trafficked and exploited sexually and for forced labor. Those left are often incarcerated in adult prisons, where they are victimized even further. 

    “This is a plague that has reached epidemic proportions because it is too often left ignored. Unlike many of the human rights problems that we confront, the problem of street children exists in all countries, including democratic allies,” said Smith, who has championed human freedom and rights since being elected to Congress. 

    “No nation can afford to allow its children to become victims or, conversely, outlaws by failing to protect them when they need it most,” said Smith. “As the number of street children worldwide grows each year, the stability of their governments is jeopardized. This is not just a humanitarian crisis; it is a security issue as well.” 

    Smith’s Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations heard testimony from three panels of expert witnesses on Tuesday afternoon, much of which exposed brutalities that street children undergo. The panel cited specific examples including: child murder and rape in Sudan, death squads in Brazil, imprisonment in the Philippines and child soldiers in Uganda. 

    In his testimony, Lloyd Feinberg, manager of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Displaced Children and Orphans Fund (DCOF), pointed to programs already underway to prevent and protect vulnerable children. Feinberg testified that the DCOF will provide $14 million to 19 countries, including 15 that have specific programs to identify and rescue street children. 

    “I appreciate the testimony from each of the experts today and recognize their work to combat this plague,” said Smith. “This hearing will reenergize our efforts to expand the remedies that are already working into additional countries and begin a process of cooperation to develop improved measures to ensure that the number of street children around the world is sharply reduced.”