http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/stopchilddetention/ The President of the Philippines Republic of the Philippines Malacanang, Manila Re Stop the illegal and wide scale detention and abuse of 52,000 children prisoners now Dear Excellency: We express deep concern over the illegal detention of 52,000 Filipino children. They are kept in the company of adult prisoners in cramped police jails all over the Philippines. We are disturbed that not a few of these children, including young girls and mentally disabled children, come from the poorest areas. They suffer sodomy, rape, torture, tattooing, and many indignities. We feel troubled that they are deprived of medical, social, psychological, and legal assistance during the period of their police detention. We understand this constitutes a cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment or punishment. We regret that in spite of numerous Philippine and international laws prohibiting these practices, the incarceration of children in the company of adult prisoners and these violations persist. We hold children's rights equal to all human rights transcending national boundaries and serving as the first priority for all nations around the world. We therefore appeal to the best judgment and conscience of the President of the Philippines to stop these illegal, inhumane practices immediately. Coalition to Stop Child Detention Through Restorative Justice Thu, 6 Jul 2006 18:1:43 CDT en-us 3 http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/stopchilddetention/#sig3236259 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/stopchilddetention/#sig2401480 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST America needs to help our long time Filipino friends