Reef-Friendly Sunscreens
Before your next trip to the beach, consider packing a reef-friendly sunscreen that uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect ultraviolet (UV) light. Reef-harmful sunscreens include such ingredients as oxybenzone, which promote coral damage. Read more. Submitted by the Addressing Climate Change Committee
Beyond Borders Holds Mock Trials
To raise awareness of child servitude for the UN’s World Day Against Child Labor, Beyond Borders held mock trials for perpetrators of child servitude or restavek in 6 areas on LaGonav in June. The simulated trials are like a theatre production, encompassing roles for victims, judges, attorneys, and witnesses. These productions have been very successful in raising awareness of restevak.
Restavek refers to a deeply ingrained cultural practice in Haiti where children from impoverished families are sent to live with host families, ostensibly to receive the food and education their own parents cannot provide. In practice, restavek is a form of modern-day slavery.
Most often, these children are treated as household slaves, subject to beatings and exploitation.
Local child rights activists and other community members serve as the actors in these mock trials, which have taken place for a couple of years. They are well-received in Haiti, with a high audience turnout. Submitted by the Haiti Collaboration Committee
