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Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Integrating Human Trafficking into Our Everyday Conversations
One of the most basic ways to generate awareness and to draw attention to the fight against modern day slavery is simply to talk about it. Conversations are really important in explaining to your friends and family that you care about a cause and that they should to. Think about it. If everybody who cared about trafficking told just two of the people they love about their passion for human trafficking, the amount of activists in our world would triple. So how should you casually strike up a thought-engaging conversation with someone you know?
1. Share that slavery still exists.
- “Did you know that slavery did not end in 1865?”
- “It didn’t? I thought Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery a long time ago…”
This exchange is a perfect example of a simple and easy way to start talking to someone. Most people don’t know that slavery still exists. The culture we live in has always taught us that slavery was abolished once and for all with the Emancipation Proclamation. Let your friends know that this is not the case and that slavery still exists in all of its forms (labor, sexual, military, etc.) today
2. Share basic statistics.
Using numbers to explain how real and active human trafficking in our world is, is a great way to grab someone’s attention. Numbers don’t have to be hard and confusing- keep it simple and short. Here are some ones that you can use:
- 27 million people are enslaved today- this is more than ever before in history including the Transatlantic Slave Trade. [Free the Slaves]
- Trafficking in humans generates profits in excess of 32 billion dollars a year for those who, by force and deception, sell human lives into slavery and sexual bondage. [IJM]
- Sex trafficking alone is estimated to generate $7 billion per year, but INTERPOL believes the number to be closer to $19 billion. [Somaly Mam Foundation]
- The International Labour Organization estimates that 215 million children ages 5-17 are engaged in child labor. [GoodWeave]
- The Department of Justice estimates the most frequent age of entry into the commercial sex industry in the United States is 12–14 years old. [GEMS]
Remember to use these responsibly and don’t embellish!
3. Share why you are interested in the cause.
Giving a personal testimony as to what drew you to the cause and in what ways you are contributing to the fight is another fantastic way of connecting with others. The people you talk to care about you. They want to know why you are involved and why you are actively taking a stance. Sharing on an authentic level can encourage those you talk to follow suit and take interest as well.
4. Share the universality of human trafficking.
Because trafficking is proliferating at such an alarming rate, as citizens and consumers in our modern day world, it is nearly impossible to escape the slave trade completely. The products we buy, the food we eat, the places we go- all of these aspects of our lives have usually passed through a number of slaves to reach us. Pointing out that our consumerism and material culture drive the slave trade further, can bring a new level of consciousness to our actions. Let your friends know about Fair Trade and the slave-free, sustainable options they have when purchasing goods such as coffee or even clothing. Encourage family to shop at thrift stores where new items processed by corrupt companies can be avoided. Or make plans with a pal to craft something yourself so that you know your product is truly slave free.
Of course there are several other ways to start serious dialogue about modern day slavery, but keep these tips at the forefront of your mind the next time you have the opportunity to share with someone you know. Global awareness is truly the first step in shining light and bringing justice to this crime that still continues to impact millions every day. ~Michelle Cho
How Many Slaves Work for You?
How many slaves work for you? This atypical question would seem outside the realm of normal conversation and, in some cases, offensive. Shockingly enough, this query is relevant to every consumer. Products come from somewhere, and are produced and processed by someone or other entity; but as consumers, we seldom stop to contemplate these questions. The reality: 27 million people are enslaved with a majority forced into labor to contribute to products we buy. Due to lack of transparency, we are often unaware of such realities. Once we can understand how consumers contribute both willingly and unwillingly to slavery, we can begin to further fuel the abolitionist movement.
Slavery Footprint is an innovative matrix rating system that will answer the daunting, yet very real question: How many slaves do you own? Justin Dillon, a world-renowned abolitionist, has played a significant role in the development of the Slavery Footprint system.
Justin is a musician—as part of the band Tremolo—and director of Call + Response, a documentary that reveals the secrets behind the booming human trafficking industry. The film and movement aims to provide “opportunities to act and engage through mobile phones and online platforms,” according to the Call + Response website. With the help of well-known abolitionists, celebrities, and other musicians, Call + Response has turned its vision into a reality—stimulating the abolitionist movement with aspiration, value, and action.
Justin explains that Slavery Footprint “connects the dots” through helping consumers understand how they contribute to slavery. Through a comprehensive combination of synthesized reports that account for over 400 products and an algorithm that uses data separated by country, the amount of slaves it takes to produce a specific product can be estimated. Interested consumers take a short, online survey to reveal the amount of slaves it takes to maintain their lifestyle purchases. The results enable people to be a part of the solution, leveraging consumption to make a difference. With popular information and mobile technologies, this system will be easily accessible and usable.
The inception of this revolutionary tool was inspired by ideas generated from the U.S. Department of State. The State Department sought out assistance from Call + Response to create and implement the Slavery Footprint. Justin declares the State Department’s innovative and open effort, “A great mark of courage.” Since its inception, Call + Response has made the construction of this revolutionary tool a collaborative effort—bringing together nonprofits and abolitionist groups to strengthen the influence. On September 22, 1862, President Lincoln issued the first part of the Emancipation Proclamation. The release of Slavery Footprint on September 22, 2011 will further aid the fight against slavery, even centuries later.
Justin calls all consumers and activists to action. He reminds us of our two greatest assets: consumption and network. First, consumption can harness the strength of the market through directing purchases that support the abolitionist movement. Second, the power of one’s network can be accrued to influence others and spread truthful, understandable narratives. “Act often; act passionately,” Justin states. Often, we concentrate on problems and forget to celebrate. Justin challenges activist to “Celebrate every victory—that’s what will win the battle.” ~Kristin Steves
The Cost of a Human Life: The Price of a Victim of Human Trafficking
- Babies from Nigeria: $6,400
- Babies in China: $7,800
- Babies in Malaysia: $6,588
- Children in China: $6,100 for boys, $500 for girls
- Children in Ghana: $50 to parent, then $300 to trafficker
- Children in India: $45, versus $350 for buffalo
- Children in Iraq: Between $300 to $5,500
- Children in…
leaaptb: Global Trafficking in Women and Children
Global Trafficking in Women and Children
War, poverty, and famine; political, social, and economic change; and the deep seated views and rituals rooted in a culture’s history and traditions all contribute to the widespread and growing trafficking of women and children. The multilayered…
What international protection is there?
On 16 June 2011 the ILO adopted the Domestic Workers Convention (No. 189), stipulating conditions of decent work for domestic workers globally, including those migrating to work beyond the borders of their countries. As an international treaty it enshrines basic rights such as protection against all forms of abuse, harassment and violence, elimination of forced and child labour, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, elimination of discrimination in employment, fair conditions of work such as normal hours, overtime compensation, periods of rest, annual paid leave, a minimum wage where this exists for other workers, ensuring of safe and healthy working environments, social security protection not less favourable than that applied to workers in general, written contracts that are enforceable in countries of employment for migrant workers and the right to keep in their possession their identity and travel documents.
It also places responsibility on governments to regulate practices of private employment agencies to prevent fraudulent and abusive recruitment processes, and to strengthen co-operation between sending and receiving countries in applying and monitoring the provisions of the Convention. Significantly, the Gulf States (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) eventually voted for a legally binding convention, whereas support was weaker among European States, and disappointingly the UK abstained from voting.
Real Men Don’t Buy Girls
Every year, over 1 million children fall victim to sex trafficking and join the millions of others already being held captive as slaves. Halogen’s series, “Tainted Love”, exposes modern-day slave trading and human trafficking.
Watch 3 free episodes here: http://halogentv.com/watch/full-episodes/
Find Halogen on TV: http://bit.ly/halogentv
Compassion is never compassion until you cross the street and do something now, until you actively get involved and until you allow yourself to be interrupted.
Christine Caine (via pksailing)
Human Rights: Read | Share | Act
A Newspaper | Updated Daily
All citizens of the world, take responsibility by keeping yourself informed and taking action to stop the abuse. This is a newspaper focused on human rights issues in the world today. Get involved!
I am thinking about Human trafficking
“RT @EndSlaveryNow: Results of #sextrafficking study released by AG Dewine’s office #Ohio http://bit.ly/S4TEsf Great to see States taking serious measures! ”
Check-in to Human trafficking on GetGlue.com
At five years old, Anika was a lucrative beggar. Her parents broke her hips when they moved to Greece from Poland. Her precious innocence and helplessness made her irresistible to any passerby. But when her adolescent charm wore off, the money slowed down, and her parents abandoned her in the city of Athens.
Alone and injured, Anika desperately longed for family and a sense of home.
She was approached by a group of conniving young men. With charming smiles they promised shelter, food, and family. Thrilled by opportunity, Anika eagerly accepted their generosity.
She was driven to a dark, grungy apartment; it wasn’t the beacon of hope she’d imagined. The cold, dirty walls were her cage as she was beaten and raped constantly. She instantly became a prisoner… an animal… a slave.
As a young teen, Anika was exploited in multiple ways. First, she was sold daily to clients in forced prostitution. Second, she was abused when she didn’t submit to doing domestic chores for her captors. Her body was wounded, and her last bits of spirit were draining day by day.
The sounds of abuse eventually seeped through the apartment walls and something remarkable happened. The neighbors in the apartment building reported their suspicions to Greek police.
When police raided the apartment, they caught a man in the act of raping the young girl. They were able to immediately take the traffickers into custody.
A simple group of concerned citizens saved Anika’s life when they decided they would no longer tolerate injustice.
The A21 staff in Greece welcomed Anika with smiling faces that hid no vile intentions. The walls were decorated with warm colors and inspirational quotes, and for the first time in her life, adults demonstrated love rather than manipulation.
The shelter provided medical care, which helped heal the abuse from her parents and captors. But more importantly, A21 staff empowered Anika to make her own decisions, which helped revive her spirit.
When Anika was taken to the traffickers’ apartment, she was instantly a prisoner. When she entered the A21 shelter, she instantly became a survivor. The word victim is no longer a part of her description. Anika has now returned to Eastern Europe to escape the city where she was so damaged. She is no longer limited, but has torn down walls to create her own destiny.
In the last three weeks, A21 shelters have welcomed twelve new girls! Twelve new girls will be empowered to make decisions; a right many have not had in years. Twelve new girls are being given the confidence to believe in their dreams again. Twelve new girls are no longer victims, but survivors. Anika’s story does not have to be an exception any longer. There is hope spreading to the hopeless.
We recognize that life-changing success would not be possible without your consistent giving and support. Because of the support of donors and our monthly partners, we’re able to open shelters across the globe to provide safety, restoration, and freedom.
Together, we are making a difference!
Nestlé have been using cocoa grown through child labour and slave labour for years and it’s only now that they act when it’s brought to public attention. Disgraceful
The Love Colored Black Project - A group of amazing poets across the US come together to stop SEX TRAFFICKING… Telling her very own story, Taniesha B gains the help of fellow poets. University of Miami, Kristi House and more to make a change. Through poetry they tell their stories. Traveling, and standing center stage these amazing poets SPEAK!
WILLOW GETS RADICAL ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING
In town for the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on human trafficking, Willow takes a moment to tell the world how she really feels about modern slavery.
