We may associate slavery as an action that only ocurred in the past of this world. The phenomen has only increased and is rapidly growing. Modern day slavery has become an industry of huge profit for the black market. Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industy that we commonly associate only with third world countries. The reality is that it’s occuring in our backyards; on American soil. The United States has become a high importer of sex slaves.
“America’s largest anti-slavery organization, Free the Slaves estimates that at least 10,000 people a year are smuggled or duped into this country by sex traffickers” (http://www.tradethemovie.com/get_involved.html).
This is an issue that I have been following for about two years. One of the reasons that it has caught my attention is because I’m a woman, and a mother. This is happening not only in my country but the world including Latin America where many of these transactions are held. The women and children who are stolen from their families, kidnapped, beaten, raped, drugged, moved around like cargo and shipped as merchandise, auctioned and sold for the purpose of sexual exploitation. When I learned about human trafficking it was an instinctive reaction to take some sort of action to help in stopping it. So when I heard about a petition two years ago I took part in signing it.
The petition encouraged our government to pass a law prosecuting Americans for sexually soliciting minors overseas. I was one of the thousands who signed it and last year Congress passed the law, and it has been put into practice ever since. So with this introduction, I have tried to find ways to get the word out on human trafficking and finding more information on it; however, we still have a long road ahead of us in ending sex slavery. It is estimated that 80% of humans trafficked are female and 50% are minors. The State Department has estimated that about 800,000 people are trafficked over international borders yearly, largely for sexual exploitation. It has unfortunately become a pandemic and more awareness and laws need to be made in protecting human rights. I came across a film that was released this passed weekend reflecting on the human trafficking issue.
Actor Kevin Cline, has made a movie titled “Trade”. This film focuses on the human trafficking industry and has captured the attention of many U.N. officials. Although the film isn’t a multi-million dollar film it captures the brutesque reality of sex slavery and the lives it has destroyed in the process. This is a film that shouldn’t go ignored. It’s a movie that affects us on a global scale and shows us the trade of human trafficking. The State Department has estimated that about 800,000 people are trafficked over international borders yearly, largely for sexual exploitation. Please learn more about human trafficking and what you can do to fight this human rights violation.
Human Rights Organizations Involved with Sex Trade:
Watch Full Screen Trailer of “Trade”
September 25, 2007 at 3:30 pm
that’s so sad.
September 25, 2007 at 8:44 pm
I heard about this. Spc i heard they take many women as sexual slaves to Israel to work in Brothels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem! 😉
September 26, 2007 at 1:08 pm
I saw a special on Lifetime tv about a year ago on this topic. Also, I believe Oprah has done several shows on it. I remember about the same time the Lifetime movie aired there was a conference in Washington, DC too.
I’m glad to see people finally raising awareness and trying to stop this.
September 27, 2007 at 3:49 pm
were having the same problem here in the uk , were they trick woman from eastern europeon countrys to come here and work only to realize they are forced into prostitution , when I first heard about this I could not believe such things are happening in the 21st century , my only theory is due to the economy.
September 30, 2007 at 7:23 am
I have heard about this as well. To make an awareness on this topic is so important and to stop it is the next big step.
Interesting article.
🙂
October 1, 2007 at 1:46 am
other than this…kidnapping and sexual abuse of young kids need also to be prevented. Recently in Malaysia, an 8 yr old girl went missing and a month later her body was found inside a sports bag. She was found to be sexually assaulted and badly abuse. According to the coroner, the girl did not stop crying until she died because the coroner found salt residue in her eyes.
Am sooo sad and angry reading such things happening. What is becoming of the society? May Allah protect us and our children from such events.
😦
October 6, 2007 at 3:20 am
Assalamu’Alaykum,
Sister Intuitive,
thanks for the article. it is horrific to still know that women fall prey to trades of utter disgust. all women have tot ake a step forward to stopping sexual objectification of all sisters, regadless of faith.
it is sad to know that know that slavery, even in the traditional sense, still exists today!
October 31, 2007 at 8:17 pm
This is such a horrible thing to do, My goodness I always get scared reading and knowing about this, May Allah keep every girl and every one safe and far away fro the bad world, Ameen.