Educate young people not to sell themselves for material goods, priest says

A CATHOLIC priest says there is more work to do on child prostitution, which goes beyond the law enforcement agencies.
Catholic Bishops Conference general secretary Fr Giorgio Licini said families, schools, churches and citizens should educate young people not to sell themselves for material goods.
He made the comments after recent reports of people operating brothels in Port Moresby. “It should be the duty of schools to look carefully into the situation of each student and see that not one is forced into prostitution due to school fee obligations,” Fr Licini said.
“It is the duty of everybody to help neighbouring families that they have not enough to eat.
“It is the duty of everybody to make sure their children do not take the road to brothels.
“The current drive by the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) against illegal aliens and illegal activities in Port Moresby is commendable.
“However, it will need wide support to be successful and sustainable.
“Behind an illicit business, there are normally well-connected powerful forces capable of crippling, in one way or another, the efforts of sincere and motivated citizens and government officials and agencies.”
Fr Licini said there was too much at stake, not only in terms of national security and the economy, but the welfare of children and young people.
He said reading about minors and students sexually exploited was “revolting”.
“It is known that students turn to prostitution for two reasons,” Fr Licini said.
“Some do it for easy money and additional perks such as phones, clothes and a social life.
“Others are forced into it for daily survival and the need to meet the costs of school fees.
“It is shameful for anybody to take advantage of their vulnerability. The simple fact of ignoring their plight is a crime.”