Human Trafficking

Current Event week of 10/27/17 (EXTRA CREDIT)

Source: https://polarisproject.org/stories

Article: “Not the Same Story”

        *This is not necessarily a certain current event or article but human trafficking is a topic that is apparent today and I decided I could take this extra credit opportunity to write about it*

        Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery—a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 20.9 million people around the world. And no matter where you live, chances are it's happening nearby. From the girl forced into prostitution at a truck stop, to the man discovered in a restaurant kitchen, stripped of his passport and held against his will. All trafficking victims share one essential experience: the loss of freedom.

        There are two types of human trafficking: sex trafficking and labor trafficking.  Sex traffickers use violence, threats, lies, debt bondage, and other forms of coercion to compel adults and children to engage in commercial sex acts against their will. Labor traffickers including recruiters, contractors, employers, and others – use violence, threats, lies, debt bondage, or other forms of coercion to force people to work against their will in many different industries.  

        Although slavery is commonly thought to be a thing of the past, human traffickers generate hundreds of billions of dollars in profits by trapping millions of people in horrific situations around the world, including here in the U.S. Here are the statistics: The International Labour Organization estimates that there are 20.9 million victims of human trafficking globally. 68% of them are trapped in forced labor, 26% of them are children, and 55% are women and girls. The International Labor Organization also estimates that forced labor and human trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide.

        My opinion on human trafficking is that it is essentially worse than slavery and is a monstrosity towards basic human rights. And the worst part is it happens EVERYWHERE. And since it’s such a huge industry around the world, it will be very difficult to take down. However, there is many things we can do to help. Recognizing potential red flags and knowing the indicators of human trafficking is a key step in identifying more victims and helping them find the assistance they need. Observing a potential victims common work/living conditions and poor mental/ physical health.