Human Trafficing

Human Trafficking
Over the years Human Trafficking has grown tremendously. Besides the fact that it is getting worse and worse each year, a majority of which is due to the economy, society has negligently treated the issue of human trafficking by obtaining a careless attitude. Most have the “it will not ever happen to me”, or “it only happens in other parts of the world” mentality. But realistically that is just not the case. Human trafficking is happening all around the world and the chances of it happening to you are highly increasing. Reported by Bilich (2000)”Every 40 seconds in the United States, a child becomes missing or is abducted.” As startling as this statistic may sound, it shows the reality of how unsafe our children really are. Although children may be the most targeted, adults over the age of eighteen are also a target for human trafficking. We as a whole need to resolve the problem before it gets worse.
Definition and statistics of Human Trafficking
Although many of us know the basis of human trafficking there is a lot more to the idea then one may know. Human trafficking (also considered modern-day slavery) is said to be by Cornell University (2005) “[any] victim who is forced, defrauded or coerced into labor or sexual exploration. Annually about 600,000 to 800,000 people-mostly women and children are trafficked across national borders, which does not count millions trafficked within their own countries.” There are many ways people are dragged in to human trafficking. “[Some by which are promised] job opportunities or marriages in foreign countries” Cornell University (2005). “[They are also but no limited to] being sold into the sex trade by parents, husbands and boyfriends, additionally they may be kidnapped by other traffickers or [other alternatives or just the use of use of force].
Where it is happening and why
Found in the United States, and in many other countries, human trafficking is worldwide. Reported by Kloer (2011)”Human trafficking has been found in Cambodia, small towns in Moldoua and rural parts of Brazil. But the more freighting part is that it is spreading more into the United States each day; For example, “Enslaved farm workers have been found in Florida harvesting tomatoes and picking strawberries” Kloer (2011). “Young girls have even been found forced into prostitution in Toledo, Alanta, Los Angeles, and many other countries. Enslaved women have been found throughout the country as domestic workers. “Adults have also been found forced to work in restaurants, hotels, nail salons and shops in small cites.” A large majority of human trafficking has to do with the economy. Human trafficking is a billion dollar corporation. “Most people are vulnerable to forced labor practices because of unemployment, poverty, crime, discrimination, corruption, political conflict, and cultural acceptance of the practice. Cornell University (2005)” In a tough economy as one we have today, some people will do anything and I mean anything to earn a dollar, including the trafficking of humans.
Most vulnerable
Human trafficking does not discriminate on age, race, gender, or religion. Absolutely anyone can become a victim. Although they do not discriminate, most victims are females who are under the age of 18. These females are usually used for prostitution (which is the most common type of human trafficking). Victims also include but are not limited to, “children from middle class familes, women with college degrees and people from dominat religious or ethnic groups.

Impact
Although we may not realize, human trafficking affects all of us in many aspects. Observed by Lowe (2007)”Human trafficking affects all of us by changing migration patterns, spreading diseases, and increases substance abuse.” It also prevents people from their human rights and freedom. Human trafficking is a global health risk and it fuels the growth of organized crime. Not only does human trafficking affect people who are not trafficked it has a long lasting, devastating effect on the people who are. “They usually suffer physically and emotional abuse, rape, threats against self and family, passport theft, and even death.” “But the impact of human trafficking goes beyond individual victims; it undermines the health, safety, and security of every nation it touches.” Cornell University (2005).
Prevention in the United States
Despite the fact that the human trafficking rate is highly increasing, the United States is taking a number of steps in hope to abolish the issue. Declared by Cornell University (2005) [Here are some things the United States has done in order to condemn the issue:] ”Congress passed legislation so Americans who sexually prey on children abroad can be prosecuted and sentenced to as many as 30 years in prison. The Department of Justice has focused on increasing the number of trafficking victims rescued and the number of prosecutions and convictions of traffickers. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is certifying trafficking victims so they may qualify for the same assistance available to refugees. HHS is also running a major public awareness campaign to alert victims in the U.S. that help is available through the hotline number 888.3737.888. The Department of Defense has implemented a zero tolerance stand against any actions by Defense personnel that contribute to human trafficking and is instituting a service-wide mandatory training program. The Departments of Labor and Homeland Security, USAID, and other government agencies are executing action plans to combat human trafficking.” The United States is currently still working of abolishing the issue. Campaigns’, laws, helplines, and many other ideas will not stop until there is an end to human trafficking for good.

Prevention in other countries
Not only is the United States doing their part to keep our country safe, were going a step further to ensure all countries across the world are too; partnering between countries is critical to win the fight against human trafficking. This is what the US has done in order to end human trafficking in other countries: “In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, President Bush raised the issue of human trafficking and asked leaders of the world to work together to end it. In his 2005 inaugural address, the President said, “No one is fix to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave.” The State Department is working extensively with governments on action plans for prevention, protection of victims, and prosecution.” Congress has strengthened anti-trafficking legislation and contributed more than $82 million in funding last year for efforts abroad to end slavery.” Cornell University (2005) The U.S. is providing money around the world for: “Rescuing victims from slavery, combating sex tourism, rehabilitation and work training centers for victims, special housing shelters for victims, law enforcement training and legal reform assistance, information and awareness campaign, voluntary repatriation for displaced victims, training for immigration officials, medical personnel and social workers. There is no good side to human trafficking. Its giving people who continue to live off of earnings from buying and selling human beings. If it takes the government more money and more time so be it. As long as it guarantees an end to human trafficking, threes no problem with that.