There are an estimated 50,000 orphans in Haiti. Most of these children are forced to live in orphanages where they are subjected to unsanitary conditions and are at risk for child trafficking.

Government officials shut down Son of God orphanage in Haiti upon discovering that funds were misappropriated; the children were malnourished and sexually abused and many of them had gone missing without any proper explanation, most likely sold as servants or prostitutes. Sadly, the crack down at Son of God is an isolated incident. Rarely do government officials investigate and intervene at the orphanages in Haiti.

There are at least 20 other orphanages that are suspected to be subjecting children to these horrific conditions. No child should have to endure that type of abuse. Urge President Martelly to crack down on all orphanages in Haiti and makes sure children are getting the help they need.

Dear President Martelly,

Children in Haitian orphanages have been found to be living in less than sanitary conditions. Many of these children go to sleep hungry every night and are subjected to abuse by orphanage owners. Some children have even been forced to work as servants or prostitutes in other countries.

This is no way for a child to live. A child's life is precious and should be handled with the greatest care. These children have already been abandoned, and these orphanages do not make their lives any better. Money and resources donated to orphanages are not even used on the children.

The state of Haiti's orphanages is disheartening, to say the least, and it is putting the lives of Haiti's abandoned youth in jeopardy. I urge you to launch a full investigation of Haitian orphanages and help save these children from the corruption of adults.