Innocence for sale: The human traffiing problem
From Never Again
In 1865, the thirteenth Amendment was passed in which it states that slavery and involuntary servitude were banned. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN in 1948, also states in Article 4 that no one is to be forced to slavery and also banning the slave trade. But now around the world, children and people are being sold and bought in the new era of modern day slave trade. People are being lured into trafficking for many reasons which includes in some cases physical force, false promises of a job opportunity, and marriages in foreign countries. According to the US State Department, approximatly 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year. Millions are in other countries. Trafficking victims suffer physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, threats against themselves and family, Passport theft, health problems, and even death. But it not only affects victims it also underminds the health, safety, and security of all nation where trafficking is taking place. Child sex tourism is another common problem in which foreigners take part in sexual acts with children whom could be as young as 8 or 9 years old. Predators come from all over the world and most cases hold prominate positions. Previous cases include an retired US Army general, a dentist, teachers, and a university professor. Children in these conditions suffer almost the same as trafficking victims but they also suffer drug addiction, diseases like HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, and maluntrition. The United States are taking some steps into stopping human trafficking. For example, they passed several bills one of which helps convict traffickers for as much as 30 years in prison. The Department of Health is now certifiying victims so they may qualify for the same assistance as refugees. The US is helping and contributing funding for other countries to prevent human trafficking which includes special housing and work training centers for victims, training Custom official to recognizing trafficking victims and so many other things. Now more than ever, it is important that all of us learn more about this devastating international crime of human trafficking because it's quickly becoming the crime buisness of the future. Ruth
