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As educators and parents, we have an inherent responsibility to be aware of the dangers lurking in our world. The safety of our children depends on it. It seems strange, then, that many individuals know little of major global issues, such as human trafficking. What do you know about human trafficking? This facts below, derived from the recent “Global Report on Trafficking in Persons” may surprise you. |
- Human trafficking is a multi-faceted offense and includes child slaves, forced laborers, bonded laborers, sex slaves, labor camps, domestic servants and more. Men, women, and children of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and origins are included. The United Nations has concluded that every country is presumed to have been affected by the rapidly growing industry. Julia Ormond, the UN goodwill ambassador on human trafficking said, “The reality, sadly, comes not just closer to home but right into my home….Slavery globally touches not only my heart, but quite probably my table, my car, my clothing.” Trafficking is an inter-national and intra-national crime that often includes, but does not require, the movement of people for illegal purposes.
- The United Nations estimates that 12.3 million people are affected by human trafficking. However, many experts claim this number is conservative and offer numbers as high as 27 million. The economic depression and victims’ inability to report are potentials for discrepancy. One conclusion is shared among experts, however; the numbers are increasing rapidly.
- The World Health Organization estimates that 7,000 transplanted kidneys are sold on the black market each year. Individuals are often rendered helpless by drugs so that harvesters may remove and sell organs without permission.
- The “Global Report on Trafficking in Humans” says that sexual exploitation affects 79% of trafficking victims, while 18% is attributed to forced labor. The remaining 3% is attributed to other types of activity. Although these numbers are persuasive, it is important to remember the ambiguous nature of the crime. True numbers are impossible to calculate, as is the tremendous amount of victim suffering.
- The US Department of Health and Human Services says that human trafficking is tied with the arms trade as the world’s 2nd largest criminal industry. The drug trade is currently ranked in first place, while human trafficking is growing so rapidly that it is expected to take over the first spot in several years.
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