MEDIA RELEASE
5th April 2010
Rob Hamill helps to raise awareness of Trafficking

Hagar New Zealand has announced that Rob Hamill will be their guest speaker at a Fundraising Event and Charity Auction in Auckland on Friday 16th April.

Hagar New Zealand is the local branch of the Swiss based charitable organisaton dedicated to providing recovery and after-care to young victims of severe human rights abuse, including trafficking, sexual slavery and physical exploitation throughout the SE Asian area.

Olympian rower Rob Hamill’s brother Kerry, was captured by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia in the 1970’s after straying into their waters. He was imprisoned and executed 2 months later in the now infamous Tuol Sleng prison in the country’s capital, Phnom Pehn.

“Rob’s story and his link with Cambodia serves to remind us that 40 years on, there are still grave human rights abuses, particuarly in human trafficking, and it is the recovery of these victims to whom Hagar is increasingly referred. Sue Hanna, a fellow Kiwi will also share stories of her work with Hagar in Phnom Penh that provides essential services for recovering children.”

“It is well documented that New Zealand is a destination country for women who are trafficked from Malaysia, Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China, and other countries in the Pacific. Hagar's ultimate goal for each girl recovered, is that they be resilient, financially independent and able to reintegrate into community with dignity. Hagar Social Enterprises are an important stepping stone on this journey towards a life in all its fullness.” says Hagar’s Jackie Maw.

Rob Hamill will be speaking at the Parent Centre, 300 Great South Road, Greenlane.

Tickets can be purchased by phoning 0800 4 ticket or you can buy online at: www.ticketdirect.co.nz

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