Photo: Raphael Faux

Text: Alexis Munier

Event Raises Funds to End Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation

Innocence in Danger, the international organisation that fights child sexual exploitation and human trafficking from 11 offices across the world, held its annual charity gala February 12 in Gstaad.

The evening began with cocktails at the Gstaad Yacht Club, where Founder and President Homayra Sellier gave an introductory speech. 

“It has been a very productive year in so many ways,” said Sellier. “We have opened two new offices in Austria and the UK, which extends our reach to help even more children in need.” 

Advocacy Activities in Europe and Beyond

It has been a successful year for IID indeed. The following are several highlights of the organisation’s recent campaigns for justice:

1. France: Participation in the "Affaire Cottrez," the biggest case of infanticide worldwide, with eight murdered babies. Their legal action created a jurisprudence that acts as a change in the law, and as a result the perpetrator will face charges in criminal court. Sellier is also assisting victims with preparation for what will be another very large criminal case, which will appear in French court in May 2015.

2. Colombia: IID’s Regional Director Mrs Susana Roques, expert on cognitive post-trauma therapies, has initiated a new form of therapy which is the most effective known today. A book on the method will be launched at the end of March 2015. 

3. Germany: Smartphone, peer to peer and internet safety programmes developed by IID are being used nationwide. They will next be launched in Austria, with further use in other countries once translations and logistic preparations are completed.

Where’s There a Will, There’s a Soirée 

Next during the evening’s lineup was a short film by Raven Kaliana, a survivor of child sexual exploitation. “Hooray for Hollywood” uses handcrafted puppets to illustrate the painful experiences of Kaliana’s youth and is a vital component of her public awareness activities.

The highlight of the evening was guest of honour Sarah, Duchess of York, who gave an inspiring speech to the enthusiastic crowd. The Duchess spoke at length on her charity work and presented a slideshow of children she has helped around the world. One particularly emotional moment was the story of a young boy she had met at an orphanage in Romania. When Sarah, Duchess of York inquired as to why he was lying on the floor on a dirty mattress, he responded that once a day, the sun hit a certain spot on the building and he could feel its warmth.

“Forget about your next party, your next glass of champagne,” quipped Sarah, Duchess of York. “Remember there are people in the world who need your help; children like this boy, who waits all day to feel just a minute of sunlight on his face.” 

The Duchess continued in her trademark no-nonsense style, “I’ve had bad press for decades, and the media have written some terrible things about me. But it doesn’t bother me. I wake up thankful for every day–for the wonderful opportunities I’ve been given–and I know how lucky I am.”

The group then moved on for dinner at Le Grand Bellevue, followed by dancing at the hotel’s Club Room. The event also featured a silent auction and tombola. All proceeds will go toward funding IID’s Swiss activities, namely their summer camps in the Saanenland and aftercare programme. 

IID is active in seven countries – Switzerland, France, Germany, the USA, the UK and Colombia, where they provide legal, medical and social services to victims and their parents. Additionally, IID is equally dedicated to fostering real political change and awareness through high-level advocacy and lobbying.