2021
Urban Light
Asia
Childhood Foundation
Urban Light – Support for Childhood’s work in Thailand against sexual exploitation of boys
Discrimination and stigma towards LGBTQ people is widespread in Thailand, while a significant proportion of the large number of prostitutes in Thailand are boys and men. The vast majority of boys and men in prostitution come from neighbouring countries or from poorer minority groups, but statistics are largely lacking.
Childhood’s work in Thailand
Childhood’s work in Thailand includes initiatives linked to travelling perpetrators, where many vulnerable children are boys, but also identifying initiatives aimed at specific risk groups or groups where support measures are lacking. Given the stigma, discrimination and taboos that exist around LGBTQ, around boys and around sexual abuse, it is important that targeted support measures are developed, that knowledge and awareness of the vulnerability of boys and LGBTQ people increases. That’s why we strive to make this type of effort possible.
Urban Light
The project is being carried out together with the Urban Light Foundation, which has been in place since 2009 and is the only organisation in Thailand that specialises in support of boys. They have a drop-in centre and conduct outreach work in bars and other places where prostitution is common. They also have preventive work in areas with ethnic minorities and around construction sites, as well as in a juvenile prison. Among the support measures they offer are advice at the Drop In Centre, needs assessment and psychosocial support, scholarships to complete training and, if necessary, temporary accommodation.
The project aims to
- Increase awareness of online sexual exploitation of boys
- Expand and improve the social work with the boys who have been exposed
- Provide protection, treatment and rehabilitation for boys exposed to human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation off- and online
About Regnbågsfonden
The purpose of the Fund is to financially help HBTQ people around the world, as well as individuals, primarily in countries where HBTQ people are stalked and harassed by authorities, police and religious institutions.
Our funds will not go to organisations or individuals who do not respect human rights and freedoms. These include racism, and antisemitism, sexism and children’s rights.