The unfortunate events which have recurred over the last few months related with the paedophile networks that operate via the Internet and by other means, and which have  caused a considerable stir in the media, make a foundation such as MAIA very necessary.

UNICEF has reported that trade in minors is a world-wide problem which affects a great many boys and girls. According to some estimates, every year more than 1.5 million children are victims of child exploitation in South East Asia alone.

There is considerable demand for minors to be employed as cheap labour or to be sexually exploited. Sexual conduct tends to be considered a private matter, and so some communities are reluctant to intervene in cases of child exploitation. Technological advances such as the Internet, which facilitate access to child pornography, and sex tourism are factors which contribute to making children more vulnerable to these practices.

The fundamental objective of Fundación MAIA is to raise public awareness and to work towards taking whatever measures are necessary, so that the images and events such as those which have appeared in the media recently may be avoided. The work to raise consciousness in the battle against this blight is of crucial importance.

Fundación MAIA wishes to contribute to achieving this objective and it will devote all its efforts to ensure that all the organisations involved act with the greatest efficiency.

Fundación MAIA defends the rights of children, extremely vulnerable individuals who are permanently scarred by the ravages of exploitation.

Fundación MAIA forms part of the Corporate Social Responsibility programme of Método 3, and its avowed aim is to prevent and raise public awareness about the sexual abuse of minors.