As mentioned in my previous post, local trafficking case brings the face of modern slavery home, the recent story of child trafficking out of Fayetteville, NC, has gained a large amount of media attention. The story thus lead me to do an interview with Blog Talk Radio’s DC based show, “A Measure Of Truth”. I sat down this evening with host, Michael Fordham to discuss some of the harsh realities of human trafficking/modern slavery and how it can effect every town, and we can all make an impact in helping to bring awareness to, and an end to, this horrendous crime against humanity. Click here for the recorded pod cast.
While the case in NC has gained much media coverage and attention, few have touched on the realities of human trafficking. A reality that all to many Americans are still in the dark on. As mentioned in the radio interview one of the first steps is to educate yourself on what human trafficking is, then make yourself aware of the signs and how to report any suspected cases or potential victims.
What is Human Trafficking, or Modern Slavery? It is when the use of fraud, force, or coercion is used in which to exploit an individual for the mere means of profit or economic gains. There is no stereotypical face of human trafficking, for the chains of modern slavery can bind anyone, of any gender, race, religion or age. Those bound by slavery do not have to cross borders to be victimized, for one can be exploited within their own home, community, as well as half across the globe. Modern slavery comes in many shapes and forms, such as; child soldiers, forced labor through debt bondage, and forced prostitution or sex slavery. And as we have seen, not even rural North Carolina is immune to this disease of power and greed, which binds some 27 million people around the world.
Human trafficking/Modern Slavery is the world’s fastest growing industry, according to 2009 State Department Trafficking in Persons Report over 80% of those trans-nationally trafficked are women and children. The US State department estimates that some 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year and about 80 percent of them are female and at least 50% are children. The numbers given by the State Department do not included the millions of victims which are trafficked with in countries borders, including the United States. The US government has stated that there are some 17,500 victims of sex trafficking in the United States each year, however all of these government figures are well understated and the true number of victims is unknown. According to the International Labor Organization (End of Child Labor Within Reach 2006), each year, some 1.2 million children are trafficked for the purposes of labor, while another 1 million are trafficked into the sex trade.
Why are so many children being trafficked today? Victims are lured by traffickers who offer promises of a better life, work opportunities or a chance to live in a more democratic and free society. Some families, desperately poor, are willing sell one of their children as a sacrifice for the rest of the family. However the reality is a far cry from the promise of freedom, or an escape from poverty and hardship. Forced into prostitution or trained to kill in child armies, victims of sexual and psychological exploitation are literally robbed of their childhoods, a commodity that is rarely recovered.
One driver behind trafficking in children and young women is the global sex tourism industry, which thrives on foreign demand. If governments and societies do not enforce laws to protect children from pedophiles, many will continue to travel in search of sex with minors. As traffickers and brothel owners rake in large profits, this seedy underbelly does not drive capitalism, but merely creates corruption, fuels the drug market, and other illegal and illicit activities.
When we think of human rights our minds most often drift to images in distant countries, women and children in refugee camps, child soldiers, forced labor, etc. The struggle for human rights continues right here in the United States, as millions of our own children face abuse and neglect. Each there over 3 million children are reported as victims of abuse and neglect, a toll which impacts the remainder of these children lives as their innocence is stripped away. Around four children a day in the U.S. die as a result of child abuse and neglect every day.
Anyone can become a victim; there isn’t one face to human trafficking and modern slavery. How do you know if you have come across a victim? Trafficking can take place in any environment and any location.
Are you or someone you know being trafficked? Is trafficking happening in your community? Is the situation you encountered human trafficking? The following is a list of potential red flags and indicators of human trafficking.
If you see any of these red flags, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-3737-888 now to report the situation. We highly recommend you take a moment to place this number in your mobile phones now.
Common Work and Living Conditions
The Individual(s) in Question:
Poor Mental Health or Abnormal Behavior
Poor Physical Health
Lack of Control
Other
Note: This list is not exhaustive and rather represents a selection of possible indicators. Also, the red flags in this list may not be present in all trafficking cases and are not cumulative. (Polaris Project, Action Center)
