A record number of parents have taken their children's lives with them in committing suicide this year, with economic hardship the main factor behind the tragedies, the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF) said.

""Our figures show that From January to October 2008, there were 39 cases in which one parent or both committed suicide and tried taking their children along in doing so. This marks the highest such number in Taiwan's history, "" said TFCF deputy executive director Ho Su-chiu.
Ho said that in the 39 suicide cases so far this year, 57 children were hurt and 21 children died, an average of two child fatalities a month. The previous high for a full year was 35 cases in 2006.
""Worldwide economic recession, unemployment, marriage problems and financial hardship are all reasons why parents consider committing suicide, "" Ho said. ""The main factor behind parents' deciding to take their children along in committing suicide is financial pressure.""
According to Ho, many parents see their children as their property and therefore the views of the children are often ignored. As a result, children are usually sacrificed in the process as their parents deal with financial pressure and marital problems.
""From a cultural standpoint, Chinese parents view their children as their life-long responsibilities. Therefore, when the parents consider suicide, they are worried that their children will not be well cared for. Their conclusion is to take the children along in committing suicide,"" Ho said.
""But this may not be the choice of the children. This is a sign that within Taiwan's society, the rights of children to live are not being properly recognized,"" Ho suggested.
To prevent further such tragedies from happening, the TFCF urged parents to respect the rights of their children to live and asked them to seek assistance when thinking about committing suicide.
""Please call us for help,"" Ho said. ""Please come to us. We want so much to help you.""
The group was founded by American Christians in Richmond, Virginia in 1938 as the China Children's Fund to help thousands of homeless Chinese orphans during the Sino-Japanese War.
The fund later expanded its services to needy children in 60 countries and changed its name to Christian Children's Fund, Inc. (CCF).
In 1964, CCF Taiwan Field Office was formally established and 23 Family Helper Projects (now branch offices) were set up to provide services to children and families in Taiwan, and were later extended to Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu islands.
In 2002, the CCF Taiwan Field Office changed its name to Taiwan Fund for Children and Families.
(Source: taiwannews.com)