AFRUCA - Africans Unite Against Child Abuse

For Immediate Release

Thursday 27 January 2005

AFRUCA APPOINTS NEW PATRON

 Hilton Dawson, outgoing MP for Lancaster and Wyre has been appointed Patron of AFRUCA - Africans Unite Against Child Abuse.

 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.

For further inquiries, information and interviews:

Debbie Ariyo                           Hilton Dawson MP