#92 Human Trafficking
Did you know that approximately 50,000 people are trafficked into the US each year for exploited labor and sex trafficking? Or, that the majority of these victims are being trafficked from the Philippines and Mexico? Everyday, basic human rights are being violated for millions of people globally and it is critical to shed light on the reality of human trafficking.
The Reality of Human Trafficking:
Human trafficking is defined by the World Health Organization as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Language barriers, fear of their traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement frequently keep victims from seeking help, making human trafficking a hidden crime.
Human Trafficking Facts:
It’s estimated that internationally there are between 20 million and 40 million people in modern slavery today.
The United States, along with Mexico and the Philippines, was ranked one of the world’s worst places for human trafficking in 2018.
Only about .04% survivors of human trafficking cases are identified, meaning that the vast majority of cases of human trafficking go undetected.
Human trafficking earns global profits of roughly $150 billion a year for traffickers, $99 billion of which comes from commercial sexual exploitation.
Globally, an estimated 71% of enslaved people are women and girls, while men and boys account for 29%.
In 2018, over half (51.6%) of the criminal human trafficking cases active in the US were sex trafficking cases involving only children.
Reports indicate that a large number of child sex trafficking survivors in the US were at one time in the foster care system.
How Can I Make An Impact ?
Tier 1: Global Goodness
Practice mindfulness while in public. Being aware of your surroundings can help you notice a situation that looks out of the norm.
Educate yourself on indicators of human trafficking. Go to: https://www.state.gov/identify-and-assist-a-trafficking-victim/ to learn about the indicators.
Tier 2: Planet Protector
All of Action 1
If you are in the United States and believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, report your suspicions to law enforcement by calling 911 or the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotlineline at 1-888-373-7888.
Be a conscious consumer. Do you know who picked the avocados you consume year round? Research companies you support and make sure they don’t use child or forced labor and pay their employees fair living wages.
Tier 3: Earth Angel
All of Action 1 & 2
Volunteer with not for profits that are bringing awareness and working towards stopping human trafficking.
Share the information you learn with your friends and family. The more people that bring awareness to human trafficking, the more we can make a positive impact in the reduction of human trafficking globally. We Are One.
Choose to be an Ambassador for Change, and always Spread Love and Spread Light.
