Martin Charity to Combat Child Trafficking

Puerto Rican born singer Ricky Martin performs during his first concert in Spain at the Pabellon Olimpic in Badalona near of Barcelona, Spain, in this file photo from May 9, 2006. The Ricky Martin Foundation on Tuesday, May 16, 2006, signed an agreement with the International Organization for Migration to combat sexual explotation and the trafficking of children. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez,File) (Manu Fernandez - AP)

NEW YORK -- The Ricky Martin Foundation has signed an agreement with the International Organization for Migration to combat sexual exploitation and the trafficking of children.

The agreement, signed in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday with Martin looking on, will help develop joint efforts between the two organizations. IOM is implementing over 150 countertrafficking projects around the globe to raise awareness, lend support to victims and train law enforcement.

"We are committed to ending child exploitation," the pop star said in statement. "Unfortunately, more than half of trafficking victims worldwide are children, forced into pornography, prostitution and labor servitude, among other forms of exploitation."

"We are certain that this alliance will create a global call to action," he added.

Martin started the Ricky Martin Foundation 10 years ago to help children in need. Its People for Children project has been active in anti-trafficking programs.

The 34-year-old singer is on tour in Europe. His most recent album, "Life," was released last year.

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On the Net:

http://www.iom.int/

http://www.rickymartinfoundation.org/