The catastrophic dimensions of the earthquake in Haiti are still not known, but if prior experience in these situations is any guide, children are especially vulnerable — not just to physical injury, but also to human traffickers.

The Freedom Center is organizing a response to this situation to help insure that Haitian children obtain food, shelter and also protection from traffickers who, like carrion, descend upon scenes of devestation and ruin to literally kidnap children to sell into slave labor rings.

This is what happened, according to police and human rights organizations, in the wake of the South Asian tsunami.  But to prevent a repeat, vigilance and action on the ground in Haiti is quickly required.

One organization with a special knowledge of the situation is the Cincinnati-based Restavek Foundation, whose founder, Jean-Robert Cadet, is a former Haitian child slave (“Restavek”) who has become a widely known spokesperson for the plight of Haitian children.  Cadet is soon expected to make his way into Haiti to assist in relief efforts.  He will be especially focused on looking after young boys and girls, says his foundation’s marketing director, David Fatherree.

Meantime, as is so often the case, the world is responding to the Haitian nightmare with food, clothing, rescuers and other forms of direct aid.  Donations are being welcomed by numerous organizations — including the Restavek Foundation.  On Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, all visitors to the Freedom Center receive free admission, but this year, we’re asking for a child’s clothing or shelter item to send to Haiti.