This is Important. by Desi Tsamadias
There are more people in slavery today than there ever has been in human history. Just let that sink in. 40+ million people in slavery. Right now.
When I first heard the numbers and statistics on Modern Day Slavery and Trafficking, I was completely shocked. Today, I watched part of a documentary called Nefarious about sex trafficking throughout the world and I had no words after. Even watching that clip, I was so angry and enraged I didn't know what to do. I will always feel this way about this topic. Like so many other issues in this world, this is so important to bring awareness to, because exposing the sex slave industry and its strongholds around the world is what is going to be its downfall.
Here are some statistics:
1. Human Trafficking generates over 150 billion dollars annually.
2. 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery is a child.
3. The abuse of slavery happens online, in brothels, on fishing boats, brick kilns, mines and even tree cutting facilities all around the world.
4. 71% of those in slavery are women and girls, while 29% are men and boys.
5. About 20,000 victims are trafficked into the U.S every year.
Think of these numbers each as a real human being, with a life, a mind, thoughts and feelings, likes and dislikes- because that's what they are. It is absolutely and utterly disgusting to think that, in some places, girls being forced into the sex industry is a deep-rooted part of "culture". That is not culture. That is pure evil. There is simply no excuse for selling or buying a child for sex. The idea itself should not exist, but the sad reality is that it is true. Parents in Cambodia sell their daughters into sex slavery as merchandise to be bought and used. In Russia, women are threatened with death if they try to escape their situations. Manipulation and fear are tactics used by traffickers to make victims believe they will never be able to escape. Pimps, traffickers and buyers have the system down to a science- they know exactly how to manipulate, abuse and scare their victims and even bribe law enforcement who will gladly turn a blind eye.
I believe the root of the problem is evil, but corrupt law enforcement and poverty play a huge role in the lack of justice in human trafficking. These problems need to be fixed, in order for there to be any justice for victims who are trafficked. There is hope for them, and that is the good news! An organization called International Justice Mission is one of the best organizations that are actively, around the world, shining light to end slavery. Day to day, they are able to raid brothels and other areas of injustice, partnered with local law enforcement and freeing people from their bondage. They are getting to the root of the problem by helping law enforcement officers to better bring justice, putting traffickers in jail and keeping them there and bringing healing and hope to rescued victims.
Well, that was a long post, but I could go on and on about the injustices of modern day slavery, and I actually think I really want to do something to actively help stop this in the future. We can't let sex slavery stay in the dark and let someone profit off of women and children for sex. This needs to stop. In a world of so much technology and "higher thinking", it is unacceptable that buying and selling humans for sex is still as prevalent as it is today. We need to change culture and change laws!
*If you want to help, you can donate to IJM or educate yourself further on Human Trafficking, so that it can be exposed!
https://www.ijm.org/our-work
When I first heard the numbers and statistics on Modern Day Slavery and Trafficking, I was completely shocked. Today, I watched part of a documentary called Nefarious about sex trafficking throughout the world and I had no words after. Even watching that clip, I was so angry and enraged I didn't know what to do. I will always feel this way about this topic. Like so many other issues in this world, this is so important to bring awareness to, because exposing the sex slave industry and its strongholds around the world is what is going to be its downfall.
Here are some statistics:
1. Human Trafficking generates over 150 billion dollars annually.
2. 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery is a child.
3. The abuse of slavery happens online, in brothels, on fishing boats, brick kilns, mines and even tree cutting facilities all around the world.
4. 71% of those in slavery are women and girls, while 29% are men and boys.
5. About 20,000 victims are trafficked into the U.S every year.
Think of these numbers each as a real human being, with a life, a mind, thoughts and feelings, likes and dislikes- because that's what they are. It is absolutely and utterly disgusting to think that, in some places, girls being forced into the sex industry is a deep-rooted part of "culture". That is not culture. That is pure evil. There is simply no excuse for selling or buying a child for sex. The idea itself should not exist, but the sad reality is that it is true. Parents in Cambodia sell their daughters into sex slavery as merchandise to be bought and used. In Russia, women are threatened with death if they try to escape their situations. Manipulation and fear are tactics used by traffickers to make victims believe they will never be able to escape. Pimps, traffickers and buyers have the system down to a science- they know exactly how to manipulate, abuse and scare their victims and even bribe law enforcement who will gladly turn a blind eye.
I believe the root of the problem is evil, but corrupt law enforcement and poverty play a huge role in the lack of justice in human trafficking. These problems need to be fixed, in order for there to be any justice for victims who are trafficked. There is hope for them, and that is the good news! An organization called International Justice Mission is one of the best organizations that are actively, around the world, shining light to end slavery. Day to day, they are able to raid brothels and other areas of injustice, partnered with local law enforcement and freeing people from their bondage. They are getting to the root of the problem by helping law enforcement officers to better bring justice, putting traffickers in jail and keeping them there and bringing healing and hope to rescued victims.
Well, that was a long post, but I could go on and on about the injustices of modern day slavery, and I actually think I really want to do something to actively help stop this in the future. We can't let sex slavery stay in the dark and let someone profit off of women and children for sex. This needs to stop. In a world of so much technology and "higher thinking", it is unacceptable that buying and selling humans for sex is still as prevalent as it is today. We need to change culture and change laws!
*If you want to help, you can donate to IJM or educate yourself further on Human Trafficking, so that it can be exposed!
https://www.ijm.org/our-work
Thank you for writing about this! This is so important for people to know about!
ReplyDeleteAs sad as this, it is very important to talk about! More people should be aware of this!
ReplyDeleteThis issue needs more attention and awareness. It's horrifying.
ReplyDelete