UN Says Human Trafficking Found in 118 Countries-Associated
Press
In the 2/13/13 Associated Press article “UN Says Human
Trafficking Found in 118 Countries” author Edith Lederer paints a grim overview
of this rising global crime. According
to a recent U.N. Office of Drugs and Crime report published recently, millions
of men, women and children from 136 nationalities in 118 countries have been
forced into sexually exploitive or forced labor positions throughout the world.
58% of the victims are exploited
sexually, while 36% are involved in forced labor. The traffickers receive billions of dollars
in profits from this global trading of humans. 75% of the victims are women or girls. There
is an increase in the number of children being targeted with an estimated increase
of 7% since 2006. Lederer points out
that although 134 countries have laws against human trafficking; the number of
convictions that have resulted from these laws is limited. Some countries have
yet to file a single conviction.
Although it is encouraging to see that the United Nations
has identified human trafficking as a global social issue and crime which they
are tracking and reporting on, it is discouraging that the problem seems to be
growing, not slowing. Societies around
the globe are governed by local laws as a means to protect its citizens from
harm, but if the law is only words on a piece of paper, and not words that
result in actions resulting in convictions the issue will only continue to
grow. Traffickers are making BILLIONS of
dollars off the misery of women and now children who are caught in their web,
often as a result of trying to make improvements to their standard of
living. They respond to ads and flyers
promising a better life, and end up abused and used instead, miles from home
without hope or support. As concerned citizens of the human race, we need
to develop and seek out global partnerships which strive to stem the flow of
victims by providing aggressive counter-trafficking information so potential
victims see alternatives to the ploys of the traffickers. Laws need to be enforced, so traffickers know
their actions will not be tolerated.
Several groups are already forming, but they need more support in order
to succeed. Social change happens when
more people become aware and then act on the awareness. Don’t be an observer-be an advocate!
Shannon Yaw
2/15/13
4:51pm
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