Today is International Woman’s Day, was first observed on 28 February 1909, in the United States. Since its emergence to bring attention to working conditions and rights, in the beginning of the 20th century, the day has since become more than a political event, but an opportunity to bring to light the many needs and plights of women and girls across the globe that continue to remain marginalized and oppressed. In many countries, such as much of the Former Soviet states, International Women’s Day has even become a national holiday.
By wearing the Blue Heart you raise awareness of this crime and join the campaign to fight it. The Blue Heart represents the sadness of those who are trafficked while reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human beings. The use of the blue UN colour also demonstrates the commitment of the United Nations to combating this crime against human dignity.
The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) is the only body of the U.N. which focuses specifically on the criminal justice element of the crimes of human trafficking and modern slavery. The UNODC’s work on anti-trafficking is greatly supported by the Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and its supplementary protocols on trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling
To learn more about Human Trafficking/Modern Slavery see the following resource pages Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Links, Human Trafficking Conventions and Laws, Slavery and Trafficking Related Books, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Reports and Publications, Human Trafficking and Slavery Related Movies and Documentaries.
Also see my other posts on Child Trafficking and Slavery
If you have reason to suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline on (1-888-373-7888). Multilingual call specialists are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.