AMERICA/PARAGUAY-Hundreds of children forced to work have been freed

Asuncion (Agenzia Fides) - About one hundred children forced to work on the streets were freed by the authorities during the celebration of the feast of the Virgin of Caacupé, Patroness of the Catholic faithful of Paraguay. Most of them, between 5 and 13 years of age, were forced to work by their parents. Among these children 5 indigenous were identified, too. The children were employed in the sale of alcoholic beverages, toys, clothes and candles. Fifty of them were transferred to a reception center for children, others returned to their families, with regular reporting before the prosecutor. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 14/12/2011)