Ministry urges public to avoid sharing details of disaster-affected children

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs in Sri Lanka has called on everyone to stop sharing any information about children affected by the recent disaster. In a statement, the Ministry highlighted that posting photos, videos, or personal information about these vulnerable children on social media or other media platforms could harm their identity, privacy, and safety. Such actions could put these children at risk of being exploited, including trafficking, as sensitive details might reach traffickers. The Ministry expressed serious concern about the exploitation and trafficking of children and warned that legal action would be taken against anyone who shares information about these vulnerable children. Additionally, the Ministry encouraged the public to report any information related to vulnerable children or suspected trafficking by calling the child helpline at 1929 or by informing the Child Rights Promotion Officer or Child Protection Officer at the nearest Divisional Secretariat.