By the end of May, China hopes to have
over 200 DNA centers ready to process
and store genetic material to
help stop child trafficking, the BBC
reported. About 43 centers have already
been established.
According to The Associated Press, which
cited a government ministry’s Web site,
the DNA databases will store samples of
DNA from parents whose
children have been kidnapped.
Centers will also obtain samples from
allegedly abducted children, as well as
from “vagrant children with an unclear
history.”
According to the BBC, China’s rigid
one-child policy of birth control has
compounded the nation’s child
trafficking problem. Due to cultural
preferences, boys are at greater risk of
being abducted.
The policy, however, has been even more
dangerous for baby girls, who have been
killed, aborted, or abandoned in
increasing numbers since it took effect
more than a quarter-century ago, Reuters
reported. Consequently, 119 boys are
born for every 100 girls. Reuters noted,
“The imbalance has created criminal
demand for
abducted or bought baby boys, but
also for baby girls destined to be
future brides attracting rich dowries.”
In January 2008, nine kidnapping victims
were reunited with their parents when a
child trafficking ring was discovered in
central China.
According to Reuters, which cited the
Xinhua news agency, the ring was a
family operation spearheaded by a man
named Ye Zengxi. Apparently, Ye’s
12-year-old nephew used toys and food to
tempt children aged 2-8 away from their
parents, before carrying them off on a
motorbike.
Not every child involved in these rings
is kidnapped. According to
HumanTrafficking.org, needy parents are
often
persuaded to give up their children by
traffickers who tell them their
children will send money home to them.
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