Photo: Stop Child Labor
The heinous crime that exploits, abuses, rapes and enslaves millions upon millions of children is hardly a new story. As a society we have become more open and aware of the issues of modern slavery and human trafficking, but we envision the facts as distant, far removed realities. Sadly modern slavery impacts some 27 million men, women and children across the globe, a number too big to ignore. Those most affected are women and children: the U.S. State Department estimates 80% of human trafficking victims are women and girls, and up to 50% are minors.
Modern slavery comes in many shapes and forms, including child soldiers, forced labor through debt bondage, and forced prostitution or sex slavery. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) there are an estimated 165 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 actively involved in child labor. Children are often forced to work long hours and in harsh or dangerous conditions. The ILO report, Combating Child Labor in Cocoa Growing , estimates that 200,000 children work on cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast alone. UNICEF estimates there are some 250,000 child soldiers globally, while Human Rights Watch puts the number at 300,000, with the majority, some 200,000, in Africa. They are used as combatants, messengers, porters, cooks, and sex slaves in some 30 countries. Children are most often forcibly recruited or abducted, or feel so helpless and overwhelmed by poverty they are driven to join the fight.
Photo: OWN – Our America: 3 AM Girls.
There is no stereotypical face of slavery; the chains of modern slavery can bind anyone of any gender, race, religion or age. Those bound by slavery do not have to cross borders to be victimized, for one can be exploited within their own home, community, as well as half across the globe. According to the 2009 Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking report by Shared Hope International, which reported in-depth on the high prevalence of child sex trafficking in the United States, the number of American children at risk of being pulled into the sex industry is an estimated 200,000. Shockingly, the average age of entry in the sex trade industry in the U.S. is 12 years old.
While the statistics following child slavery are shocking, not enough is being done both domestically and globally to bring an end to these practices. One reason is that we live in a world of denial; people repeat phrases such as, “it doesn’t happen to here,” or “it couldn’t happen to me or someone I know,” but the reality is that it does happen here, and it could happen to anyone. No city, state or country is immune to the plague of modern slavery.
Just this past week, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) aired an eye opening expose on the harsh reality of minor sex trafficking in the U.S. The amazing “3 AM Girls” on OWN’s Our America with Lisa Ling went inside the every day reality for those children enslaved and victimized and those who work tirelessly to save them. The must see show is still airing in limited re-runs, however you can see videos here, including some of the amazing never-before-aired footage. As a person who works in this industry and the founder of Bridge to Freedom Foundation, which works to ensure survivors of modern slavery lead thriving lives, I have been astonished at how the episode opened so many eyes. I was beyond excited to see the our partners and friends at Courtney’s House (with whom I have done street outreach alongside Tina and Elizabet featured in the episode) and FAIR Fund (now FAIR Girls) and see their amazing dedication and work being brought to life!
How to win the battle and save our children
While many NGOs and governments have made strides to combat trafficking, there is a great deal of room for improvement in the global fight against child trafficking. Victims of trafficking need to first be seen as just that, victims, as opposed to criminals. Children are placed in juvenile detention centers, and are sometimes violated instead of protected. There are very few rehabilitation services for victims in places where trafficking remains high, and though there are some shelters, little effort is placed on the mental health of former victims. Many victims have not only endured sexual and physical abuse, but also drug addiction and sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.
Photo: Bridge to Freedom Foundation – 2011 DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk
As poverty is the main contributor to sex tourism and trafficking, organizations and governments must work from the bottom up, putting resources on the ground in areas most affected. If there are no economic alternatives for families and individuals, it will be near impossible to win the fight. Therefore, organizations must educate communities about the realities of trafficking, as well as offer alternative solutions and economic opportunities, such as sustainable trade skills. Both children and adults in affected communities need to be part of the process of finding alternative solutions and prevention programs. In order to end the cycle of human trafficking, better, more easily enforced laws must be passed to prosecute those involved on every level of this heinous industry. Victims of trafficking need to be given the skills and knowledge that will prevent them from being reintegrated into the trafficking market. But perhaps most importantly, victims need to have a place they can feel safe, where they can heal, and if they are lucky, learn how to be a child again.
To sustainably bring an end to modern slavery, four main areas of focus must be addressed. First is the demand for inexpensively manufactured goods and sex services, since this demand is met by the cheap – or free – labor of those who are economically vulnerable. Second, gender inequality and bias must be addressed in all countries to reduce the stigma and abuse of sexual exploitation. Third, there must be a unified international response to strategies of prevention and awareness, and, fourth, impunity must end, for victims will remain silent and not seek medical, psychological or legal attention if they feel there is no available retribution or safe care.
Please also see related pieces on child trafficking, including; Winning Battles in the Fight to End Child Trafficking, Selling Children Online
If you are a victim of trafficking, know a victim of trafficking, or suspect a case of trafficking please contact the Resource Center, call1-888-373-7888, or email [email protected]. The toll-free hotline operates year round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
