I think of those who are still enslaved… and surviving–even though many times they may want to succumb, to give up, they do not. They are my heroes–innumerable, faceless heroes. They are my definition of courage. I think of them, and I’m inspired to work harder, to live better. It requires little courage to live a privileged life, a safe life. Though if one has ever been enslaved, even living in freedom–and relative safety–requires daily courage: to not forget, to not disconnect, to not be tempted to eradicate the scars, to not get lost in the tenebrious labyrinth of regret. Today, I am brave too.
Tag Archives: human trafficking
The Complexities of Reabolishing Slavery Worldwide
http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2012/03/world/mauritania.slaverys.last.stronghold/
The above article from CNN focuses on slavery in Mauritania but addresses issues that are worldwide. It is masterful at personalizing the plague of modern day slavery and pointing out the complex issues found in trying to address the practices, beliefs, and customs that are sometimes centuries old.
I’m an American–a privileged, white American–who has a difficult time wrapping my head around the idea that someone would not jump at the chance to be free. But this article helped me realize that it is not so very different from when I was a child, trapped by abuse, not knowing there was anything better out there, afraid to trust, believing that anyone who offered help might only make things worse. I listened to the people in this article, and I heard bits of myself. Now that I’m free, I can see it so clearly, just as the former slaves in this article do.
Modern slavery and human trafficking are complex, multi-dimensional problems, but we have to keep fighting for the sake of those not yet free and those who don’t even realize there is something better out there.
Filed under Human Trafficking, International Issues
Tim Matsui, the Genesis Project, and Seattle’s underage sex workers
I have followed photojournalist, Tim Matsui, and his work with the Alexia Foundation for about nine months. It was in his articles I first learned of the Genesis Project, an outreach to underage sex workers in the Seattle area, to help them leave the life or at least give them shelter and care for a time. It was started by a police officer who wanted to help rather than just arrest these kids. I’m excited to see their stories in this documentary.
Coming Soon: “The Long Night” – A Feature-Length Documentary by Tim Matsui & MediaStorm.
Filed under Human Trafficking
From foster care into the sex trade
The article in the link below from Traffick Alerts brings up a lot of important issues connected with Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking and the foster care/social service system. There are no easy answers but something has to be done about criminalizing a child victim who has already been crushed by being sold and exploited. Should they be further traumatized, labeled, and carry a criminal record for life? What is our responsibility as a society?
Filed under Human Trafficking
Human trafficking: the numbers
I’m a visual learning. I find charts and graphs an easier way to grasp unimaginable numbers. I think these charts do a good job, though focused mostly on EU and UK.
Filed under Human Trafficking, International Issues
Polaris Project and Global Technology
Amazing to see how technology can help battle human trafficking.
Filed under Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking Awareness for Students in Qatar
Wonderful to see children so young being taught what to watch for. This is how we change the future.
Qatar Foundation for Combating Human Trafficking (QFCHT) has conducted a special programme for school students in Qatar to introduce them to the concepts of human trafficking.
The programme, “We are all humans”, targets school students of different ages to raise their awareness about the types and causes of human trafficking, related legislations and agreements, and the current stand of Qatar on the issue. It also aims at introducing them to the role and tasks of QFCHT in addressing such phenomena.
The programme was initially launched in three local independent schools of kindergarten, primary and preparatory stages, where a team of QFCHT spent a complete school day with students.
The team distributed pamphlets among the students that contain simplified information on human trafficking related issues and engaging exercises as well.
The team conducted various competitions and quizzes to encourage children to acquire the information in an interesting way. Children expressed their…
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Filed under Human Trafficking, International Issues
President signing the Violence Against Women Act
Very powerful opening words by Diane Millich, a Native American woman. She showed great courage sharing her story on behalf of so many who have suffered in the same way. I’m grateful to live in this country and to have a President and other leadership that believe in protecting the rights of women.
Filed under Human Trafficking
“Rape for Profit” movie wins award
The film “Rape for Profit” won Best Long Form Film at the Justice Film Festival last weekend! Congratulations. This documentary is set in Seattle, but it could be any major city. I posted the extended trailer on February 11, if you want to see that one as well.
Filed under Human Trafficking
J D Abbas, fantasy writer 