Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: Hilton Dawson, outgoing MP for Lancaster and
Wyre has been appointed Patron of AFRUCA -
Africans Unite Against Child Abuse - the Voice
of African Children in the UK.
A keen and passionate voice in parliament for children and young people,
Hilton commands the admiration and respect of children's charities across
the UK who see in him an important ally and friend. He has spearheaded a
number of campaigns in parliament on different children's issues including
advocating for a law against physical chastisement and better protection
for trafficked and privately fostered children. As part of his activities
promoting the welfare of children and young people, he chairs the All Party
Parliamentary Group on Children in Care and co-chairs the All Party
parliamentary Group on Children.
Prior to his appointment as AFRUCA Patron, Hilton had been a consistent
supporter of the organisation and its work. In particular, he has been
active in highlighting the issue of the trafficking of children to the UK and
AFRUCA's role in combating this. In June last year, he submitted an Early
Day Motion signed by 50 Members of Parliament asking the House of
Commons to congratulate AFRUCA on its third anniversary and commend
its work with African children in the UK.
Hilton Dawson MP said on his appointment: "I am delighted AFRUCA have
asked me to be their Patron. The organisation is doing sterling work
for the benefit of African children and deserves to be complimented and
supported. I am happy to be a part of this work."
Debbie Ariyo, Executive Director of AFRUCA said: "Hilton has always been
a strong advocate of AFRUCA and its work. He is well regarded by key
children's agencies as a veritable voice for children. We at AFRUCA are
proud to have him as our Patron. Having him on Board will help to
complement our ongoing work for the betterment of African children in
the UK".
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. AFRUCA - Africans Unite Against Child Abuse is the UK's premier
charity promoting the welfare of African children in the country.
2. Hilton Dawson MP is the outgoing MP for Lancaster and Wyre. He is
Honorary Fellow of UNICEF. He was recently awarded the ePolitix Charity
Children and Young People Champion Awards 2004.
3. In June 2004, Hilton Dawson MP submitted an Early Day Motion signed
by 50 MPs asking the House of Commons to congratulate AFRUCA on its
third anniversary and commend its work with African children in the UK.