During the trip, he will meet children who have been trafficked and are now receiving help to recover from the suffering and distress caused by this multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise.
Chan also schedules to visit a vocational training centre for trafficked children who have managed to return home but are in need of special care and support, as well as come to UNICEF-supported projects assisting children at risk of being trafficked, including those without parental care and children who are living and working on the street.
In addition, the actor will attend a meeting with the Myanmar’s Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and members of the Police Anti-Trafficking Task Force in Mandalay to discuss ways to combat trafficking effectively.
“Trafficking and exploiting children are horrific crimes. They leave lifelong scars and rob children of their childhoods. Children are not for sale. For the sake the world’s children, we must work hard to stamp out these damaging and criminal practices,” Chan stated.
Also, on the occasion of his visit, the ambassador plans to deliver messages about self-protection to young people in Myanmar. If families have essential information and education on how to protect themselves, the risks of being trafficked can be reduced.
“It is very important that young people know how to protect themselves,” Chan said. “Simple things, like knowing not to trust anyone who promises you a dream job in another country, never going to an unknown place alone, knowing your parents’ and your own full name and age, and being able to explain where you live, help children guard against traffickers,” he added.
According to UNICEF, there are around 1.2 million children trafficked worldwide every year.
Becoming UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2004, Chan has used his celebrity status as a vehicle to promote humanitarian progress for the most disadvantaged children.
“Jackie Chan is hugely popular in Myanmar and he is a strong and dedicated advocate of child rights,” Ramesh Shrestha, UNICEF Representative in Myanmar talked about Chan. “Children and teenagers are inspired by his martial arts skills, bravery, adventure and humor. He will be a source of inspiration and encouragement to young generation,” he said.
The actor has been known for his charity activities worldwide. In November 2009, he visited Vietnam as an Ambassador for Operation Smile, an international children's medical charity organization that helps children who suffer cleft palate.
Jackie Chan (4th from L) at the press conference announcing Operation Smile's project to offer surgeries for Vietnamese children who suffer cleft palate in Hanoi in November 2009. Vietnam's current tourism ambassador Ly Nha Ky (2nd from R) also joined the event.
Jackie Chan and Miss Vietnam 2006 Mai Phuong Thuy who also attended the charity project in Hanoi in November 2009.
Chan giving toys for kids at Hanoi's Vietnam - Cuba Hospital
Chan (1st from L) even joined to help in the operating room...
...then expressed happiness after a successful surgery.