H.R. 1409, The Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act: Protect Our Children, Protect Our Future

H.R. 1409, THE ASSISTANCE FOR ORPHANS AND OTHER VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ACT: PROTECT OUR CHILDREN, PROTECT OUR FUTURE -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 28, 2005)

* Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 1409, the Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act. This bill will provide assistance for the most vulnerable children in the poorest of nations for basic care, HIV/AIDS treatment, school food programs, education and employment training assistance, and protection of inheritance rights. This bill also establishes the position of Special Advisor for Orphans and Vulnerable Children within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to better coordinate the task of helping these children.

* As a mother and as a grandmother, I will not stand by while millions of children all over the world suffer through the most abject, hostile, and inhumane conditions. In the last decade alone, more than one million children were orphaned or separated from their families as a result of war. As of July 2004, there were more than 143 million children living in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean who were identified as orphans, having lost one or both of their parents. Of this number, approximately 16 million children were identified as double orphans, having lost both parents--the vast majority of whom died from AIDS. According to a joint report of UNAIDS and UNICEF released in July 2004, every 14 seconds a child is orphaned by AIDS worldwide. Even orphans who are adopted continue to live a life of poverty and disadvantages due to the lack of proper infrastructure and the large poverty-stricken population. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), orphans are less likely to be in school and more likely to be working full time. We must help and protect these children from a life of disease, crime, and uncertainty.

* I support H.R. 1409 because a child should be receiving a balanced diet, not worrying whether there will be food to eat the next day.

A child should live in a secure and safe environment, not in such poverty-stricken conditions that they become victims to the sex trade. Every second, more of tomorrow's leaders are orphaned. We must do all we can to ensure that the world has the opportunity to see and benefit from their leadership, their potential. Over 33 humanitarian, NGO, and child care organizations support the passage of this bill. The valuable programs in H.R. 1409 can make a world of difference for orphans, proving them shelter, medical care, food, and, eventually a new home.

* Families across the United States and around the world are willing to welcome and adopt orphans from around the world. This means a new chance at a bright new future for the most vulnerable in our society. We need to do everything we can to make those possibilities a reality. I urge my colleagues to protect our children and our future by voting ``yes'' on H.R. 1409.

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