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International Child Abductions From U.S. Rise Sharply

ABP World Group Ltd. — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:08:33 +0000

The Brazil abduction and custody case over 9-year-old Sean Goldman illustrates a growing problem of international child abduction that needs to be addressed with more laws and greater parent precautions, experts tell the Christian Science Monitor. The number of children being abducted from the U.S. and taken abroad has increased dramatically since 2007, say data from the U.S. State Department. More than 1,000 new cases involving 1,615 children abducted from the U.S. by a parent were reported in fiscal 2008, compared with a little over 500 cases involving 821 children in fiscal 2007.

Abductions from other countries also rose, with almost 500 children reported abducted from foreign countries and brought to the U.S. last year. One reason “international child abductions are on the rise is that it is fairly easy to accomplish in the United States,” says Chris Schmidt of the law firm Bryan Cave LLP. “In the United States, one parent can leave the country with a child without the consent of the other parent.” By contrast, many other countries such as China and Argentina require an official document giving permission of the parent who is not traveling before minor children can travel abroad with only one parent. In the Goldman case, Brazil’s chief justice ended a five-year custody battle when he ruled that the boy should be returned to his American father

Link: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2009/1223/Sean-Goldman-case-highlights-rising-international-child-abduction

Parental Abduction At the Holidays

ABP World Group Ltd. — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 12:18:30 +0000

By: Samantha Wilson

We’re well into the holiday season, and I know that for some divorced parents, Christmas break brings fears of parental abduction. From time to time we hear the alarming news about a stranger abduction, but the reality is that they are very rare – most child abductions are by non-custodial parents.

Although non-custodial parental abduction can occur at any time throughout the year, reports of these incidents increase around the holiday season, where family stress can escalate.

If you’re the custodial parent, and have reason to believe there’s a risk of parental abduction:

Legally and formally establish all child custody and visitation.
Ask that the courts allow supervised access only. Your children will still be allowed to visit the other parent, but only in supervised situations.
Don’t allow a non-custodial parent to have access to any of the child’s travel documents such as a passport, birth certificate or visa.
Include a provision in the custody order that prohibits any school authority, babysitter or daycare centre from releasing your child to the non-custodial parent without your consent.
Use preventative measures such as the Passport Control List (Passport Canada/RCMP), which will prevent a child under the age of 16 from leaving the country.

One of the most difficult parts of divorce is being separated from your children, especially during the holidays. Try to keep the lines of communication open between you and your ex and your children, and remember, you are not alone. Look for support groups in your commuity that will assist you and your family with safety planning throughout the year.

How to Proceed If Your Child Is Abducted

ABP World Group Ltd. — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:58:50 +0000

This is something none of us wants to think about, but, it could happen. About 2,000 children are abducted daily in the US. It is horrific and something no one ever wants to have happen to them. If it does you need to be prepared and move fast to do all you can to get your child back quickly and safely.

Instructions:

Step 1

Don’t panic. You are of no help to the situation if you are a basket case. If ever there was a time to keep your wits about you this is it. Don’t expect the worst but remember the fourteen- to forty-eight-hour life expectancy of the criminally abducted. Atleast drink fluids so you don’t dehydrate and get sick.
Step 2

Search the house thoroughly. Be sure that every possible place is searched and all surrounding areas on your property. Don’t jump to call authorities until you are sure there is a reason to.
Think back over those hide and seek places and the quiet spots they go to read or hangout alone.
Step 3

You should be aware of who your child’s friends are, what their phone numbers are and where they live. What is your child’s routine? What school activities is he a part of? Question friends as to where your child might have last been seen. And ask if there are new places you are not aware of where your child hangs out. Question the people at this places for possible sightings and any people seen there that seemed unusual.
Step 4

// <![CDATA[//

We all want our children to lead happy lives with nothing to upset that.

It is a good idea to consider what category your child falls under: runaway, throwaway, parental abduction, or criminal abduction. Did your child runaway? Was he/she ordered to leave the house? Did a parent abduct the child? Or, could the child have been criminally abducted?
Step 5

Has there been any ongoing or newly established situations or changes such as violence, depression, found drug paraphernalia,
mood changes, possible abuse, grade changes, child’s clothing or favorite belongings missing?
Step 6

Your next move is to call the police. Be sure you can supply a recent picture, what he was wearing, a physical description, any identifying marks such as birth marks and scars, and if you know where your child was last seen or his last known destination.
Step 7

// <![CDATA[//

Has your child been unhappy lately?

Mobilize friends and family and have them network. Time is important. Go door to door in the neighborhood and see if anyone saw anything you are not aware of. Be sure someone is near the main phone at all times. Incoming calls should be kept very brief. Call the telephone company for call forwarding or call waiting services if needed.
Step 8

Have someone call the local radio stations and alert the television stations as well. The local newspaper’s city desk editor can be of help also. Be sure to do these things only when you know
that your child is in danger. The financial obligations could be overwhelming otherwise.
Contact ABP World Group child recovery services

Northern provinces brace for another cold snap

Viet Nam — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 02:42:38 +0000

Northern provinces brace for another cold snap

QĐND – Saturday, December 26, 2009, 20:48 (GMT+7)

A cold front is moving towards Vietnam from China and it is expected to affect the northern region on December 27, according to the National Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Centre.

People living in border provinces will feel the deep chill as soon as the front approaches the border early in the morning, the centre says.

Temperatures will fall by 5-6oC to 17-19oC during daytime and 12-15oC at night.

The cold snap will bring rain to the northern region and then the north-central region and cause rough seas.

Source: VOV

Source: QDND Bookmark & Share

Untitled 18

Rusty — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:49:09 +0000

Christmas/New Year period is the "ideal" time to abduct a child

ABP World Group Ltd. — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:42:28 +0000

According to an article published by the Daily Telegraph one single father’s group has actually advised their members that due to court closures over the Christmas/New Year period, now would be the ideal time to abduct a child from a custodial parent.
The holiday season sees a sharp rise in the number of parental abductions in Australia. With emotions running high between separated and divorced parents during the Christmas/New Year period, a small number of parents will take the drastic step of abducting their own children. Most of these children are eventually recovered, but a small number of parents will experience the agony of never seeing their children again.

According to an article published today by the Daily Telegraph one single father’s group has actually advised their members that due to court closures over the Christmas/New Year period, now would be the ideal time to abduct a child from a custodial parent. Although the article did not name the group, there are several men’s groups in Australia who have deliberately flouted Family Court rulings in the past. However, it must be acknowledged that almost half of all parental abductions are perpetrated by women.

ABP World Group Ltd. advises parents to be alert to the threat of parental child abduction over the holiday period. Statisically, half of all threatened parental child abductions are acted upon, with children aged between 2 and 11 making up the bulk of those affected. ABP World Group Ltd. assists those whose children have been abducted by the other parent. You can contact us via our website.

This is an issue close to my heart. I personally experienced the agony of parental child abduction back in November 1992. My youngest son was taken by force from my arms when he was just 13 months old. My then estranged husband (now ex-husband) and his parents were British citizens and I knew they wanted to return to England. So my greatest fear was that they would take my young son overseas. Because his father and I had recently separated and there weren’t any custody orders in place at the time, I was told by both the Local Court and the Police that there was nothing they could do. Thankfully, his father did return about a week later, but for that period of time I didn’t know whether I would ever see my child again.

I cannot adequately describe in words just how it feels to be the parent left behind when your child is abducted. What I can tell you is that the incident did leave a permanent emotional scar on both myself and my older child who was only 4½ at the time. I thank God my youngest child was too young to remember the incident.

Statistics of Parental Child Abduction

Every year 650+ children are abducted by a parent or other family member in Australia.
15% of abductions involve the use of physical force or violence.
75-85% involve interstate transportation of the child.
50% involve failure of a parent to return a child/children after an authorised visit or stay.
25% occur before the relationship between the parents ends.
50% occur more than 2 years after the relationship between the parents has ended.
Most (but not all) abductors have a history of violent behaviour, substance abuse, or emotional disturbance. 46% abductors have a criminal record.

Published by: ABP World Group International Child Recovery Service

Visit our web site at: www.abpworld.com

Northern island attracts one million tourists

Viet Nam — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:28:05 +0000

Northern island attracts one million tourists

QĐND – Friday, December 25, 2009, 19:44 (GMT+7)

Cat Ba island near the northern port city of Haiphong has received its one millionth tourist, which marks the vigorous growth of the local tourism sector in recent times.

A ceremony to welcome Neil Hunter from Australia was held on Christmas Eve by Cat Hai district authorities in coordination with the Haiphong department for culture, sports and tourism.

The reception for this tourist came one year earlier than expected. The number of tourists to Cat Ba surged in 2009, bringing the island a total turnover of VND400 billion, which exceeds the 2008 figure by VND100 billion.

In 2009, the island introduced many more tours and a new ferry between Cat Ba and Tuan Chau international resort in Ha Long city.

The one millionth and the two other tourists listed next to him were all presented with free accommodation in VIP rooms, buffet, and Xmas party in the Holiday View Hotel.

At the moment many hotels and guesthouses have launched massive promotions with 30 percent discounts for rooms and 10 percent discounts for food and restaurant services.

Source: VOV

Source: QDND Bookmark & Share

Timeless

Rusty — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:42:51 +0000

Merry Christmas to all!

{Seamstress of Skjern}

ProudlyPink Sheridan — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 10:32:52 +0000

The {Seamstress of Skjern} makes practical yet lovely gowns for women of the North. Veilless and bold women who survive in the coldest environments. We also offer (a slowly growing inventory) bondmaid kirtles and accessories to help them survive the bitter cold.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Gwail/54/190/1002

http://seamstressofskjern.blogspot.com

Camouflage

Rusty — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:36:49 +0000

Christmas Season Attacks Worry Christians in India

Particular Kev — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:28:03 +0000

Hindu extremists launch two assaults and claim hundreds of ‘reconversions.’ NEW DELHI, D

Christians in Vietnam Hold Another Historic Celebration

Particular Kev — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:55:26 +0000

Largest-ever event in northern part of country encourages house churches. HANOI, December 21 (CDN) —

Merry Christmas - ABP World Group Ltd.

ABP World Group Ltd. — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:02:35 +0000

Merry Christmas to all our existing and future clients

We also wish to say Happy New year to all our clients and wish them well in all their efforts in the New Year.

It has been another great year for ABP World Group Ltd. because of our clients and we’re hoping for many more.

We are always available via our 24h emergency phone. for more information, please visit our website www.abpworld.com

Skype: abpworld

MSN : abpworld@hotmail.com

Northern rivers run dry

Viet Nam — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:59:47 +0000

Northern rivers run dry

QĐND – Monday, December 21, 2009, 20:59 (GMT+7)

Looking at the Red River’s dry bed, Tran Van Dien felt depressed thinking about his cargo boat which was moored at the dock for the last few days.

“The river is drying out, seriously affecting our ships’ operation. This month my vessel has not operated for over 10 days when the water level dropped too low,” Dien said. Ships with a capacity of over 400 tons like his requires water at least 2.5-3 meters deep.

The Red River, along with other rivers in the north, normally dries up in February or March, going down to around one meter, but this year it has receded sooner and more dramatically.

Its level frequently dropped to under a meter since November. On November 18 it was 0.76 meters in Hanoi, the lowest level recorded in the last 107 years, Dang Ngoc Tinh, head of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF)’s Northern Office for Hydrography Forecast, said.

On December 14 the water level in Hanoi was 0.88 meters, the lowest level in December since 1902, he said.

People are able to walk across the river. In some areas, children play on the riverbed.

Dien, worried about the risks of collision and running aground, does not dare to sail the vessel but has to pay interest on his bank loan of nearly VND1 billion (US$55,560) that he paid for the boat.

Nguyen Huy Quang, owner of a shop selling stone and sand for construction, said supply has become scarce since fewer vessels carrying the materials from the northern Viet Tri and Ha Nam provinces are able to reach Hanoi by the Red River.

The ones that still ply carry small volumes of goods, he said.

“As a result, the prices of sand and stone have gone up by 30 percent from a few months ago. Our business is suffering though it is now the construction season,” he said.

The prices would continue to rise if the dry spell prolongs, he warned.

Nguyen Thi Lan of Bach Dang Street in Hanoi said people in her area now have to use water from the bottom of the river near the Long Bien Bridge piers.

Only beginning

Tinh, the meteorologist, said the situation is mainly due to the El Nino effect, which causes droughts on a large scale. The northern region has not experienced heavy rain for several months.

The rainfall this year was only 70-80 percent of normal, with the rainy season ending a month too early, and the volume of water in the flood season was less than usual, he said.

The high temperatures increased evaporation, he added.

Upstream, hydropower plants in China and Vietnam have been storing water since August but some major reservoirs in northern Vietnam face a serious shortage. But the dry season has just begun, Tinh warned.

“Major rivers may see a 30-40 percent shortage from February to April next year. This month it might be 50 percent.”

It could seriously affect water transport and irrigation for the winter-spring rice crop, which is scheduled to begin in January next year, he added.

Dam Hoa Binh, deputy head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Irrigation Department, said: “The risk of drought during the upcoming winter-spring crop is very high.”

The ministry has suggested that farmers in the north cultivating rice on 30,000-50,000 hectares at higher altitudes should plant other crops that need less water this winter-spring, he said.

But it would also meet with monopoly power supplier Electricity of Vietnam and the National Hydrometeorology Forecast Center to discuss increasing the release of water from dams for irrigation, he said.

Tinh said hydropower reservoirs are expected to release a total of two billion cubic meters of water on three occasions starting January 26 next year.

Source: TN

Source: QDND Bookmark & Share

Northern rivers run dry

Viet Nam — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:57:07 +0000

Northern rivers run dry

QĐND – Monday, December 21, 2009, 21:0 (GMT+7)