Preity Zinta supports campaign against child trafficking

Mumbai, Nov 6 (ANI): Bollywood actress Preity Zinta has joined the fight against child trafficking by lending support to a campaign along with Melanne Verveer, the US Ambassador-at-large for global women's issues at an event held here on Thursday.

The campaign called 'Against Child Trafficking' or A.C.T is an initiative of a non-profit organisation by the same name.

Zinta urged the millions of villagers across the country not to be lured by money and sell off their children.

"I want to give a message to those people who live in villages, that if anyone approaches you and asks you to sell your child to them, telling you that they will provide them employment, please don't sell your child, because she is only going to be forced into either flesh trade or be forced to work as domestic help in somebody's house," said Zinta.

Child trafficking is a global problem, affecting large number of children worldwide.

According to estimates, around 1.2 million children are trafficked every year. Also, about 44 million, or 13 percent of all children in south Asia, are engaged in labour, with more than half in India.

Trafficking of children for labour, prostitution or domestic services is widespread, especially within Bangladesh and India as well as to Europe and the Middle East. (ANI)