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| Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. Victims of trafficking are subjected by force, fraud or coercion, for the purpose of sexual slavery, or forced labor and servitude. Approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims annually are trafficked across international borders worldwide, and between 14,500 and 17,500 of those victims are trafficked into the U.S., according the U.S. Department of State. Because Human Trafficking is virtually hidden from mainstream society, it is crucial to first educate and bring awareness of trafficking to the public. Every year, over one million women and children are forced into the commercial sex industry throughout the world. This emerging problem is one of the worst human rights crises in the world today. After being sold, tricked, or kidnapped into brothels, girls endure a torturous break-in period involving gang rapes, food and sleep deprivation, and severe beatings. They are then forced into sexual slavery, servicing up to 20 men a day.
In Asia, the problem is particularly acute. In Nepal, an average of 15 girls a day are trafficked to India and the Middle East, with approximately 100,000 Nepalese child trafficking victims currently being held in India. In Asia, a total of 650,000 children are exploited in the sex industry. 80% of the population in India’s brothels is HIV positive, and many girls die of AIDS before they even reach adulthood. Others suffer from tuberculosis, venereal diseases, infections brought on by multiple forced abortions, or are destroyed physically and emotionally by the horrific abuse they suffer. In October 2006, The Emancipation Network (TEN), a non-profit organization who helps survivors of human trafficking and provides awareness to the community, held its first Dreams of Freedom Arts Event and Human Trafficking Conference in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Over 300 people from the New England area joined us for 6 hours of celebration and education about slavery and the modern abolitionist movement. The event brought together visual artists, dancers, musicians, actors, activists, interested local citizens, and slavery survivors. The Emancipation Network is committed to raising awareness and funds on the issue of human trafficking. If you are interested in organizing a Dreams of Freedom event in your city or town, please email Jennifer Munz. To learn more about Human Trafficking and other involved organizations, click here. |
