Blog 10: States Toughen Laws Against Child Sex Trafficking

In Khadaroo's article, she stresses the fact that many states have begun to crack down on their human trafficking awareness and their laws. She states that over 186 bills have been recently enacted over the past year, which is an overwhelming amount of progress. Many of these laws involve a federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act, sometimes referred to as a Safe Harbor Law. This Act changes the way that victims are viewed and treated. In the past, if an individual was found involved in prostitution, they were immediately prosecuted and treated as a criminal. These new laws, however, offer protection as it has been recognized that many of these girls and women are in fact victims. In regards to minors, they no longer have to prove force or coercion. In response to these new laws, many states have improved their standings within the Protected Innocence Challenge. While this program is making progress, there is limited space for the victims that have been rescued and entered into the Protected Innocence program.Progress has also been made through increasing the fines associated with human trafficking. As this is a for profit business, hefty fines become a huge deterrent to traffickers.

The introduction of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act is great news. Now that minors no longer have to prove force, they are able to be rescued and immediately enter into rehabilitation centers. There is no need for victims to be treated like criminals, and this step forward is one that will have a huge impact across the globe. Since trafficking is strictly a for profit business, the tacking on of heavy fines for offenders is a major deterrent for traffickers. If we can cause this industry to no longer be one of the top money producing industries, then we will see a huge decline in the amount of trafficking occurring across the world. While raising awareness for the issue is an important thing to do, it must also be paired with action. The past few years have been focused on raising awareness and making this issue known to the average citizen. It is great to see that now, as more and more people are learning about this issue, action is being taken in huge ways.

Caroline Califf

November 13th, 2013

1:34 pm

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2013/1108/States-toughen-laws-against-child-sex-trafficking-video

Blog 9: Vatican Ramps Up Effort to Stop Human Trafficking

According to The National Post's Rachel Browne, the Vatican has been putting a lot of effort into raising awareness for the fight against human trafficking. There was a weekend event held by the Pope with its goal being to chose the Church's plan of action against this mass issue. One proposed solution is to ratify the Palermo Protocol, which is produced to provide awareness. The overall outcome was the decision to instruct the Church on how to battle this issue, especially focused on Canada. While battling human trafficking was first brought up by the Vatican in 2000, it has since lacked any initiative within the Church. Many are excited that the Pope is taking action and speaking out, as much of the awareness raised within the church is done primarily by females. It has been announced that there will be more anti-human trafficking events hosted by the Vatican and throughout the Catholic Church in the following years.

This article among others published throughout this week show the growing interest being taken in human trafficking throughout the world. Movements are being made by not only the Catholic Church, but also by other religious groups and non-religious groups. It is most intriguing to me that the Pope is taking a stand, as this is one of few statements made by males in regards to human trafficking. Oftentimes activists groups are composed of primarily or led by women. Seeing men, and power holding men at that, jump on board is a huge step in fighting human trafficking. As stated by Moira McQueen, executive director of the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute, “I hope there’s a trickle-down effect…from the Vatican’s message. Most people don’t know the facts about human trafficking [so] awareness and action is needed." I completely agree with her statement. Without powerful leaders getting on board with the anti-human trafficking campaign, no progress will ever be made.

Caroline Califf

November 7th, 2013

12:11 pm

http://life.nationalpost.com/2013/11/05/vatican-ramps-up-effort-to-stop-human-trafficking/

Blog 8: DA Alleged sex traffickers in Cambridge part of international ring

This article reports two individuals working together to force two minors into the sex industry. The first, 20 year old Tracey-Bushamie, is convicted of assisting Streety, the individual receiving more allegations. The charges against them include trafficking of minors, prostitution, and rape. Allegedly, they took two seventeen year old girls and transported them to a hotel where they were instructed to preform any sexual acts requested by their customers. When hotel staff became suspicious, they called local police. After finding the on-line ad for the girls services and making contact with one of the girls, they entered the hotel and rescued both girls. The two alleged criminals are facing charges and are currently undergoing trial.

This article does a great job of discussing the steps being taken against the criminals. In many situations, those guilty of human trafficking are not found guilty or receive little to no punishment. I am very encouraged by the extent to which these two are being investigated, and am very hopeful that they will be properly prosecuted. It is also encouraging to read the final paragraph of this article. The district attorney speaks about the statistics and frequency of human trafficking, and acknowledges that many are unaware of this issue. It is extremely important that not only local police forces but also those conducting the trials are knowledgeable and informed of what human trafficking is, what it looks like, and how frequent it occurs. Otherwise, proper prosecution will never occur.

Caroline Califf

Friday, November 1st, 2013

http://www.wickedlocal.com/cambridge/features/x529845977/DA-Alleged-sex-traffickers-in-Cambridge-part-of-international-ring?zc_p=1

Blog 7: An Underworld of Male Slavery Comes to Light in the U.K.

According to Kate Harris' article published in the Times, human trafficking of males is on the rise in the U.K. Recently Simester, a 43 year old male, was rescued after thirteen years of forced labor in the U.K. His case caused a major rise in the awareness and activist movements to end human trafficking in the UK and Europe and began an operation called Operation Imperial which led police raids to rescue others. It has been found that more than three-fourths of those forced into slave labor are males, but that these males account for less than one-fourth of all human trafficking cases world wide. It was also found that many of the males trafficked within the U.K. had pre-existing mental issues and/or drug dependency of some type. They average men preyed upon were newcomers to the area and often did not speak the language. Unfortunately, the fines and prosecutions are not very risky and many traffickers go unpunished. This leads to many trafficked peoples going unheard and with rescue.

I found it extremely important that Harris mentioned that many of the men trafficked do not speak the language and do not know their way around the areas that they are forced to work in. The language barrier leads to the men not understanding what is happening. Often they believe they are about to begin a new job or something of the sort. Once they realize what is going on, they are kept in isolation. When they are in the presence of someone that can help, they cannot communicate effectively enough to get across their need for help. If they were to escape, they would have nowhere to go and would not be able to tell people what had happened to them. They also witnessed those in forced labor with them being beaten, which reduced their attempts to flee. Language is such an important factor within international human trafficking, yet it is one that often gets left out of the picture.

Caroline Califf

October 24th, 2013

4:41 pm

http://world.time.com/2013/10/17/an-underground-world-of-male-slaves-comes-to-light-in-the-u-k/

Blog 6: Dozen victims recovered, 14 charged in international sex-trafficking ring

According to this article in The Examiner, Huston's Human Trafficking Task Force rescued twelve adult and young women from a international trafficking ring in Huston. This ring was operated by six men and seven women, smuggling undocumented women and minors from Mexico into Huston, where they were then forced by various means into the prostitution business. The majority of their business was conducted inside of two local hotels, both of which remained open late and acted as bars/brothels. It is concluded that this particular ring has been in operation since 1999, and it is estimated that they made over $1,200,000 in room fees only. Customers also had to pay individual fees per girl depending on their age. This money would go to the girl's pimp, none of it to the girl. Those that were charged fall into either conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, conspiracy to commit prostitution, conspiracy to commit money laundering, or any combination of the three. Each person involved is currently in federal custody without bail until their detention hearings. As for the girls that were rescued, they have been placed within non-profit rehabilitation centers. These arrests and rescues are the result of many Huston organizations working together to end human trafficking within their city.

This is a prime example of multiple organizations within the same city working together to end human trafficking. Not only were they able to tackle a major human trafficking ring within their city limits, but these girls were being brought over the border. Now that those who ran this ring are behind bars, that is less girls and women that will be trafficked by those individuals. It may seem like the tiniest bit of progress, but any progress is a huge step in this fight. This article also included information about how to contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, which will help educate those who read it and better equip them to properly and proactively react in any given situation regarding human trafficking. If more cities are willing to partner up with their local governments, police forces, and non-profit organizations such as Huston is doing, tons of stories like this would be occurring all across America. And each little success adds up to ending international human trafficking as a whole.

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/news/dozen-victims-recovered-charged-in-international-sex-trafficking-ring/article_85c2e577-e8bf-55c6-b85e-c5fec7d90e73.html

Caroline Califf

October 15th, 2013

2:57 pm

Blog 5: Fund Set Up in UAE for Victims of Human Trafficking

A new fund has been set up to support Ewa'a and their attempts to help human trafficking victims begin a new and successful life. While victims were originally given small budgets to get them back on their feet, it was not enough to make them as successful as they potentially could be. This new fund, according to Dr Anwar Gargash, head of the committee, will allow victims to begin their own projects and find the appropriate medical treatment. "The establishment of the new fund will be a major initiative in supporting the victims and helping them meet the needs of their future,” Dr Gargash said. The Ewa'a center's goal is to support victims, women and children alike, and they have been in operation since 2008. According to this article in The National, the Ewa'a is currently looking into opening a men's rehabilitation center in Abu Dhabi in the near future. 

It is very encouraging to see efforts such as those of the Ewa'a program being rewarded and expanding. With the new funds, the organization will be able to care for more rescued victims and give them better chances of succeeding in their futures. They are able to teach women and children how to begin their own projects such as sowing or book binding businesses. They are also able to ensure that these survivors have access to adequate medical treatment, as many of them contact STD's and other health ailments while they are being trafficked. The rehabilitation facility allows the women to swim, craft, and many other every day activities in hopes that they will feel a sense of normality. They also work with the survivors in attempts to catch and prosecute traffickers. This is an awesome organization, and I hope to see more like it progress and receive funding!

Caroline Califf

October 9th 2013

8:19 pm

http://www.thenational.ae/uae/government/fund-set-up-in-uae-for-victims-of-human-trafficking

Blog 4: Vietnam's Trade of Underaged Species

     Lien Hoang, reporting on Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam for the International Herald Tribune, discusses the recent efforts to stop human trafficking, most specifically child labor. The Blue Dragon Children's Foundation is a nongovernmental activists group that poses undercover and enters sweatshops in attempts to rescue trafficked children. Following their lead, the police forces have begun to get involved. Police involvement is a new advance in Vietnam. Once they discovered that while the children were indeed being paid they were often too young and working in terrible conditions, they became more active. However, the fines and penalties given to factory owners that have illegal child labor and trafficked children are little to nothing in many cases. According to Hoang, fines can be a little as $250 and often the factories simply relocate. While that is discouraging, a progressive step forwards is the mention of a new law that clarifies that trafficking is not only across borders but also within states and cities. This opens doors for training across police fields, which will increase efforts to end human trafficking.

     I find this article extremely interesting because it starts by telling us that the police had very limited involvement in the past but are increasingly more involved as time goes on. While it excites me that law enforcement is taking a more active role, it is extremely disappointing to hear that the consequences are so small and have little impact. If any progress is to be made, affirmative action must be taken as soon as people are found guilty of trafficking and illegal child labor. Another encouraging fact is the introduction of a law clarifying that trafficking happens not only across borders but also from city to city and village to village. This encourages local law enforcement and other agencies to be more aware of the issue. Clearly human trafficking is a huge issue within our global society, and something must be done about it. Hoang makes an excellent point in her closing sentence:  "But if the country is ready to give the death sentence to drug dealers or arrest traders in rhinoceros horn, it shouldn’t just give a slap on the wrist to those who employ children, especially children who have been trafficked." I completely agree with her logic.

http://latitude.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/vietnams-trade-of-underaged-species/?_r=0

Caroline Califf
October 2, 2013
11:12 pm

Blog 3: Human Trafficking Continues to Ravage Jharkhand

        Raksha Kumar from India Ink in The New York Times writes on the human trafficking industry in Jharkhand, India, and tells the story of eleven year old Suman Tutti from the Bhoot village. Living in extreme poverty with a large family, Tutti was approached by a seemingly harmless elderly woman offering her an opportunity for school and work in the big city. Tutti followed the woman and found herself being trafficked. Her family assumed she had been taken or killed by the Maoist rebels due to the violence occurring within and around their home. After meeting a young girl from her same village, Tutti and her friend were able to escape and return home. Kumar discusses how prevalent trafficking is in Jharkhand, reasons that people get pulled into the system, and the lack of police protection. He also introduces the interesting cultural issue paired with those rescued from trafficking: the girls are often thought impure and are unwelcome back in their homes and villages. Luckily, the girl featured in this story, Suman Tutti, was gladly welcomed back into her family.
          One of the major issues that Kumar discusses is the reason behind individuals getting pulled into the trafficking system. As with many countries right now, their economic situation force them to search for work in alternate places. In this case, many are forced to leave their villages and search for work in big cities. An interviewed individual for this article even claims that "more than 80 percent of the girls who are trafficked belong to the tribal communities." In addition to economic reasons, Tutti's village as well as many surrounding areas are in turmoil due to fighting between Indian forces and Maoist rebels. The chaos caused by the fighting opens many opportunities for traffickers to easily gain new targets. This is not helped by the police, as many of them have no knowledge regarding trafficking. It is vital that some type of training occur in order for any progress to be made. Many girls are still searching for opportunity and are naive to the possibility of being trafficked.

Caroline Califf
September 26th, 2013
1:01 pm

http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/23/human-trafficking-continues-to-ravage-jharkhand/

Blog 2 : international adoptional the good the bad and the ugly

The article International adoption: Saving orphans or child trafficking is a deep point on what exactly goes on with international adoptions. They speak to two girls who lived two different adoption stories; one young lady who had the magical adoption story with great parents that loved her and she bonded with and the other who had been taken from her family by trickery and lies and sent to America passed around and then eventually own her own at 18 without the life she and her family were promised. This article touches on all these basis of adoption and how the demand of children from different countries affected the children many times in horrible way and benefited the adoption agencies and the country in a monetary way. Children are sometimes taken from their families, other time the families are tricked into thinking they are sending their children to family and countries where they will go to school and be well taken care of being that adoption agency can make $5k a child. The author of the article also talks about countries stopping the adoptions internationally because of the many accusations of corruptions. They get a view from two different adoptive parents one who adopted abd later found out the his children were taken from their mother and one who went to the country saw the children and later came back and adopted without any issues. The article shows the dark , the bright and the good and bad of adoptions

 This article opens up a book of things that many people have already known or are learning now. Adoption has always been pushed as one of those humanitarian type of things people who have a better life can help and insure a better life for children in their countries and their own. But is it always seen as that way to the children and even their families.  The fact that countries take children away from their families for a dollar or the “demands” that other countries have to adopt that child who may not even need saving is incredibly saddening . The unhappiness of a family and the child is worth the $5000 they may earn that is more than what they will usually earn in life is a dishearten fact that many don’t see.  The children are taken aren’t cared for but are just taken for a dollar and sent to a unrecognizable countries where they don’t know anyone. They also do put in the positive and happy stories that are legitimate adoptions that successful for the children and their families the stories are happy and also question the why close adoptions, why not the parents also do their research so that everyone is benefited and the adoptions are legal, families are happy, and the countries aren’t implement or accused of corruptions and wrong doings to the children, their families and the adoptive parents. The fights for justified adoptions are good and can change the face of adoption to completely good.

shelby powell

9/20/2013

4:13 PM

Blog 2: Myanmar Pledges to Tackle Human Trafficking Through International Collaboration

       Recently, Myanmar has not only become more aware of the high levels of human trafficking, but they have also been seeking the root causes and some possible solutions within their country. In 2005 they adopted an anti-trafficking law, and this year they celebrated Anti-Trafficking Day, which will now be celebrated annually on September 13th. This article goes on to tell that police officers and other agencies are now receiving the proper education to deal with trafficking situations, and they are hosting many public events to alert their countrymen about this growing problem. There is also mention of Myanmar "doing more to check the problem at home and collaborating in preventive efforts with the U.S. and its Southeast Asian neighbors",  which is a key factor in abolishing human trafficking.
       One of the most impressive things about Myanmar's efforts is their thorough work involved in educating the public. They have spent time researching where most trafficking is taking place within their country and why, which enables them to target the issue at the source. A common trend in many human trafficking situations, it is recognized that Myanmar's poor economic, political, and social situation pushes many people to seek employment abroad, making them more susceptible to human trafficking. It is also monumental that they have taken this information and used it to construct awareness campaigns within the most at risk communities. Hosting concerts and giving speeches is a very proactive way to approach the abolition of human trafficking. This article is one that shows how seriously this issue is being taken by some governments, which allows for hope and offers other countries a model to follow if they chose to join the campaign. While these extensive efforts are not yet very common within today's governments, Myanmar proves that there is progress to be made and those willing to being making it.

Caroline Califf
9.19.2013
5:31 pm


http://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/trafficking-09172013150346.html

Blog 1: Under Age Prostitution in India

Trafficking of Children and Women in India:

According to this article 80% of worldwide trafficking is sex related. This international exploitation is only growing as demand increases. The chances of Women born in India specifically, tea-pickers in Assam in northeastern India are slim. Most young girls are sold as a result of their family’s poverty  to “employers” in the city to find work for themselves which, sometimes unknown to the family and sometimes known, is really ends up being forced prostitution. These young girls eventually become victims of sex slavery, exploited and abused. This is not legalized prostitution but rather forced slavery while the proceeds are given to their male owners. Women and young girls are likely targets, used for a range of things such as: prostitution, household work and also forced marriage. This trafficking is caused by a range of ongoing problems in India, from social inequality, to corruption with government officials.

“India’s sprawling commercial sex industry which, according to the government, has about three million prostitutes, of which 40 per cent are children aged under 18.” The demand in India and around the world for prostitution is only continually on the rise. Many young girls become to victims of slavery because their parents sell them to help pay back debt, which the article refers to as “debt bondage”- when a child and in many cases young girls, are sold by parents and made a profit off of. The younger it seems the more prized and the more profit an owner can make. Not only is this detrimental to an Indian women’s role in society but it also is causing health issues. These children are more susceptible to aids, HIV, abuse, cancer and also drug abuse. One of the ways the article states that we may solve this social issue is through “equitable sharing of resources, knowledge and wealth.”

This article states that the reason this is such a deep issue in India is because of the socially constructed inequalities in gender. It even relates the popular rape case in Delhi to this. Because of ancient rigid tradition the women in India are viewed more as property and married usually for social and financial reasons. Avoiding being ethnocentric is tricky here... but when women are “sold” to their husbands it creates this social problem. Young girls may therefore be “sold” to buyers as property. A shared reality has been created in India that does not see women as equal individuals because they are subject to their male superior. As a result a social problem arises and corrupt industries such as selling girls and using them for forced labor and forced sex. Government officials are bribed to look past it. We see examples of this such as rap and also exploitation of children and young girls. Education or “knowledge” as the article states will be a plausible cure for this epidemic in India. As women are educated properly as well as the youth in India receiving occupations in society, perhaps the negativity within these traditional views will continue to break down and abolish this horror of inequality more and more. This creates a paradigm shift culturally, the way the Indian woman is viewed by the Indian men as a result of her place in society may change and demand for trafficking will become less prevalent.

Anna Jacobsen

9/13/2013

3:31pm

 http://www.redressonline.com/2013/09/trafficking-of-children-and-women-in-india/

Blog 1: Human Trafficking Around the World

    According to Tirman in the Washington Post, Human Trafficking is an epidemic that is present in every corner of our world, yet it is one of the most well hidden epidemics of our time. Many people are ignorant of the fact that human trafficking, mostly in the form of forced labor, is something that occurs across the globe, much less that it occurs right here in the United States. The group of trafficked individuals consists mostly of women and children that have been promised a job in another country. Many of the children are sold by their parents to traffickers posing as adoption agencies, as their parents hope to give them a better chance at life. Once they arrive, their travel documents are destroyed and they become enslaved to the person that brought them over the border .The most common form of slavery to date is forced labor, with sex trafficking following closely behind. Many governments aren't educated in this topic, which results in the victims being punished if they get caught. The victims have no way of escape, as their traffickers dig them further into debt with each day that they live.

     This has become such a secret epidemic because in many countries, the police officials and governments are those that exploit people for cheap labor or sex (Tirman). So many families are driven to seek jobs away from home or to sell their children due to the poor economies or being a single parent without any other means of income. Most often it is war torn countries that are swept into the trafficking industry, yet we unknowingly employee these victims right under our own noses, with the United States being within the top ten destinations for trafficked victims (Hidden in Plain Sight, Hepburn & Simon). This is something that the majority of people are uneducated about, which has spurred some authors to produce books on the topic ranging from factual accounts to personal testimonies. It is a growing industry, and our knowledge and ambition to fight it is growing at a much slower pace than it should be. It is an epidemic that we can solve.

Caroline Califf
9/8/13 - 9:39 pm
Sociology 202-03
Human Trafficking, Human Rights

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-08-16/opinions/41416573_1_trafficking-victims-global-trafficking-human-trafficking/2

References to Hidden in Plain Sight by Stephanie Hepburn & Rita J. Simon

Blog #10 A Protocol of Help and Hope

According to the April 12^th Tri-City Herald article “Tri-Cities to implement statewide protocol to deal with sex trafficking victims”  the Tri-City area in the State of Washington has launched a new statewide response protocol to be used throughout the state to address the problems associated with underage victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Since September a task force created from related agencies statewide have been working together to gather information about human trafficking and its youngest victims. The goal of their protocol, which was drafted by The Center for Children & Youth Justice is to provide a “comprehensive blueprint that will help create standards and raise the understanding of underage sex trafficking” throughout the State.  This protocol will help establish standards for the people who first make contact with the victims, as well as provide education and training so resources statewide can be used efficiently.  Instead of treating victims like criminals, the task force is striving to reach out to girls and families most at risk, often within the gang cultures found in many communities.

In the fight against human trafficking the battle begins with understanding the issues that drive victims into the waiting traps of perpetrators.  Instead of treating victims of sex crimes like criminals, the layers of abuse need to be recognized and then peeled off gently, so the needs of the victims can be taken care of.  Connecting victims with groups that can help them find alternatives to their current lives is the second step in reversing and reducing this worldwide problem.  The new protocol that Washington State’s Tri-City has implemented this week addresses these first two steps.  The desire is that more communities across the globe see this example and apply it to their task forces in an effort to work together to stop the horrors being imposed on children, men and women around the world who have often lost hope.  

In a world full of violence and fear, where people are less trusting than ever before, it is nice to see a program that strives to restore hope and lives!

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/04/12/2354490/tri-cities-to-implement-statewide.html

Shannon Yaw

4/18/13 11:42am

On-Line Traffickers Arrested

Inquirer Technology writer Nancy C. Carvajal  provides a report about the arrest of three people in Manila, Philippines who were accused of running an on-line prostitution and human trafficking operation by the National Bureau of Investigation. The “members-only” website was used to set up trafficking victims with their “members”.  The undercover operation joined the web-site as a customer and gathered evidence which led to the arrest of the three suspects, who are all being detained under charges of child abuse and violation of anti-trafficking laws. 

The news of yet another arrest of perpetrators who profit from the degradation and suffering of other humans is not the reason I chose this article.  Arrests like this are occurring all the time across the globe as the fight against human trafficking continues.  What caught my attention was the fact that the alleged ringleader was using the internet to run his business.  Most people who hear stories of trafficking, myself included, often think of girls and children being lured or kidnapped from the streets and transported to other countries as sex slaves. With so many young people having access to the internet, the risk of getting caught into this web of deceit is high.  So many kids are lured from home with promises of a better life that police all over the world have to now patrol “cyperspace” as well as protect the real streets of communities. Since pornography is rampant on the internet, I should not have been surprised that business like this would be too.  It means to me that traffickers will use any means possible to exploit others-and that there are people all over the world willing and able to pay for their “services”.

What a sad, sad world we live in.

 http://technology.inquirer.net/24577/3-arrested-for-running-online-prostitution-ring#ixzz2QN9ZCzXr 

Shannon Yaw

4/13/13  5:55pm

Blog #8 Loss of funding endangers children in Ghana

The title of an afrol [sic] News article “No money to stop Ghana child trafficking” caught my attention this week.  According to the staff writer, since 2003 an organization (International Organisation for Migration or IOM) has been coordinating the rescue and rehabilitation of hundreds of Ghanian children who have been trafficked into slave-like working arrangements in fishing communities.  The article details the accomplishments this group has made to rescue children from harsh and dangerous working conditions, malnutrition, mental stress and disease.  The article reveals the sad announcement that this program would be stopped due to the loss of funding, which since 2002 has come from from US State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration as well as private donations.  Unless funding from new sources is secured the future of the program, and the children it has saved, and could save will end.

            

This article really saddened me.  Here we have an example of a program that is successfully attacking the issue of human trafficking in Ghana, with a proven track record, and it is likely going to have to cease operating because of lack of money. It is programs like this that the world needs more of in the fight against human trafficking not less of. The IOM successfully rescued 711 child victims from a nightmare life, and have also provided resources to restore them to health (both mentally and physically) and educating or job training them so they never have to return to the nightmare. The $1.5million USD appears to be wisely spent over the 12 years funding was provided, since 676 of the 711 children rescued are doing well!  Their families have benefited as well, with money provided to start new businesses that help build communities.  It is this kind of assistance that provides hope for the future as the children grow up, not in slavery, but in healthy communities. 

http://www.afrol.com/articles/37483

Shannon Yaw

4/5/13 11pm

Blog 7: Human Trafficking Awareness Programs

Canadian Press writer Keven Drews reports that in British Columbia emergency rooms possible victims of human trafficking or exploitation may be recognized sooner and easier due to a new awareness training program launched by The Fraser Health Authority under British Columbia’s Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.  According to the article, a tool kit called Help, Don’t Hinder containing access to an online training program, a DVD, and education sessions will help hospital personnel to recognize the “red flags” that often identify possible victims when they seek medical attention.  Drews reports that the program and others like it hope to raise awareness about the crimes that happen more often than many citizens realize.

Programs that raise awareness of global crimes like human trafficking are slowly becoming more prevalent worldwide.  This British Columbian program outlined in this week’s Regina Leader-Post is similar to other local programs found in communities around the world.  It is so important for awareness to be raised as human trafficking and similar crimes of exploitation are often happening in and around communities where people are oblivious.  Many feel that crimes like this “don’t happen here”, when in fact it does.  Even professional caregivers miss the signs of possible abuse, which are not always physical in nature.  A red alert flag should go up when someone seems to work long hours yet does not seem to have any money, or if they can’t provide documentation about their identity or where they live.  Through awareness programs and events being held at school campuses, churches, and even the remote areas of the world (see related video for a program called Elephants for Kids in Thailand) maybe more lives can be changed or saved.

http://www.leaderpost.com/news/hopes+awareness+program+will+combat+human+trafficking/8108528/story.html

http://www.bangkokpost.com/multimedia/vdo/340633/elephants-for-kids-fighting-human-trafficking-in-the-golden-triangle

Shannon Yaw

Posted 3/22/13 at 8:06pm

Stopping Gendercide in India

                 In the March 7^th, 2013 New York Times special report entitled “A Fight to Save baby Girls in India”, writer Kamala Thiagarajan describes how one rural community in southern state of Usilampatti, India has been able to go from having the “worst” reputation for infant gendercide (murder of unwanted baby girls) in the 1980’s to no deaths or abandoned girls since 2001.  Under the leadership and vision of Valli Annamalai, head of the Mother and Child Welfare Project, an initiative of the Tamil Nadu state branch of the nongovernmental Indian Council for Child Welfare, childcare centers were built and staffed so that working mothers could return to their jobs in the fields.  “Girls were considered a burden and a liability in these parts,” she recalled during a recent visit to a council center in the village of Pannaipatti. Raising economic prospects “was the only way to stop the mindless violence and discrimination.”  300 additional self help centers in surrounding areas have expanded the awareness of this social issue, as well as provided educational resources and microloans to people in need who are trying to better themselves.   A construction worker noted “with so many women and girls educated, working and earning well, our attitude has completely changed.” 

               Seeing reports like this that demonstrate how communities who recognize and address crimes like gendercide and human trafficking can and do make a difference give me hope.   In today’s shrinking world (due to technology and “instant” news outlets) social problems like this that often stem from lack of education and social and racial inequality  are being recognized around the world.  People are beginning to go against culture and traditions, and demanding change.  As these grass roots organizations have success in making a difference, like the community childcare centers have done in rural India, lives are saved, and more attention is given.  Outsiders, like the Italian Aid Association mentioned in the report, partner with local communities to assist even further.  Successful plans are duplicated, and the ripple reaches more and more people, changing a whole culture.

              We can’t be afraid to be the first voice against crimes like gendercide and human trafficking in our communities and families-the generations coming after us need us now!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/08/world/asia/a-fight-to-save-baby-girls-in-india.html?_r=0

Shannon Yaw

Posted 3/8/13 11:12pm

Brazil unveils new plan against human trafficking

English.news.cn   2013-02-27 10:34:32

According to the English.news.cn brief article on Feb 27,2013 the Brazilian government has announced plans to address human trafficking, including sexual exploitation, slave labor, illegal adoptions, and human organ-selling.  The three year strategic plan plans to develop and implement  tougher laws and more control of these rising issues using specialized police task forces and a government hotline for victims to call from anywhere in the world for help. Brazil also published a government report which outlines how widespread human trafficking is in Brazil, and how effective (or not) the current laws and programs currently in place are in stopping the problems.

 

As the issues of human trafficking are slowly gaining global attention each country needs to decide how they want to address them. Brazil did a study to get information, and then developed a strategy to address the problems over the next three years.  This is a good way to approach the problem-as long as they follow through and tweek the strategy along the way to ensure it has a degree of success so victims can be helped, and offenders can be stopped.  If the plan is successful it might be able to be used as a model for other countries, or even the world.  The problems are huge, and the offenders so fluid in their ability to avoid detection or arrest that it will take a whole world working together to catch them. 

Shannon Yaw

posted 8:41 3/1/13

  

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-02/27/c_132195404.htm

BLOG #4- Human trafficking a problem in Sudbury: police Officers say women being forced to work in the sex trade

CBCNEWS/CANADA  article posted on Feb 19, 2013 provides information about the increase of possible Human Trafficking/sex trade cases they are seeing in the Northern Ontario province in Canada as a result of more aggressive action by police in the Southern Ontario region.  The police department in Northern Ontario town Greater Sudbury is aggressively addressing the issue, according to the article.  Police officers will be participating in a four week training session geared toward recognizing the signs of exploitation of women, including the recruitment and transportation of victims.   Additionally, a victim’s advocacy group, Project Peace, also in Sudbury is working with victims once they are able to free themselves from their “pimp” or sex network to provide counseling and assistance through the police department.  After the officers receive their awareness training this month, a special team of officers will go into schools to educate children of the dangers of this growing world issue.  The article ends with  a reprint of a list of ways someone could possible recognize a victim of human trafficking.

This article is exactly what the citizens of the world need to be seeing and learning from.  The Greater Sudbury community, and country of Canada, is not waiting until the problem infests its borders-they are aggressively taking actions to recognize, and hopefully prevent, more girls and women from being caught up in human trafficking.  By providing tools, like the list of possible signs one might see in a victim, and connections to advocacy groups like Project Peace and the Sudbury Police Dept people as a culture will become more aware of the problem, and therefore can act in ways to prevent it.  By first training police officers, and then raising awareness in schools in the area the community of and around Sudbury is a good example of how awareness can lead to action, and action can lead to cultural change.

I strongly recommend reading and learning the signs of human trafficking as listed at the end of the article.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/story/2013/02/19/sby-sudbury-police-human-trafficking-training.html

Shannon Yaw

2/22/13 2:54PM

UN Says Human Trafficking Found in 118 Countries

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!

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/human-trafficking-found-118-countries-18481834

Shannon Yaw
2/15/13
4:51pm