Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, and forceful detention of people for their cheap labor or for sexual exploitation. Threats, force and/or deception are typical. Trafficked people are paid little or nothing and are not free to leave their abusive situations. Trafficking is related to modern slavery.

Each year, there are between 600,000 and 800,000 people trafficked across country borders. Many more are trafficked within countries. Victims include men, women and children.

Governments, the United Nations and faith groups are working actively to help victims and prevent the spread of this scourge.

The Oblate JPIC Office engages with corporations through the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) to create awareness of the problem and press for policies to prevent it. We are also committed to education of our network and the public on this issue. More on Oblate work with corporations…

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has good suggestions for signs to look for and questions to ask.

If you suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking call: Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline 1-888-373-7888

Links:

• US Department of Health and Human Services — the US Government website on human trafficking

• Breaking the Snares — A comprehensive resource for parishes to use in combating Human Trafficking crafted by the Sisters of the Divine Savior (Salvatorian Sisters)

• Coalition of Catholic Organizations Against Human Trafficking — US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

• COATNET — a NETwork of Christian Organisations Against Trafficking in human beings

• ECPAT International — Stand for End Child Prostitution, Child Prostitution and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes

• End Human Trafficking Now — works with corporations against trafficking. Encourages corporations to sign and follow the Athens Principles

• Free the Slaves — a group that focuses on slavery around the world - how and where it happens and helps those trying to assist slaves.

• Polaris Project — programs at international, national and local levels through offices in Washington, DC; Newark, NJ; Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA; and Tokyo, Japan.

• Protection Project — sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

• Shared Hope International — rescues girls, especially those who have been sexually exploited

• “Trafficking in Persons Report” — An annual report issued by the US State Department which details aspects of this problem in countries around the world.

• UNANIMA International — an international coalition working at the United Nations for peace and human dignity, with a particular campaign to stop the trafficking of women and children. Site is in English, French and Spanish.

United Nations Programs:

• Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT)

• UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

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