What's your trafficking IQ?

The Sisters of Charity Federation NGO (Non-governmental organization) at the UN is trying to raise aware of a problem that ofent flies below the radar even the better developed countries of the world – human trafficking, a combination of slavery and forced prostitution. To that end the Federation website has gathered some resources helpful for understanding just how serious and widespread this phenomenon is.

Approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims annually are trafficked across international borders worldwide, according to the U.S. Department of State. These estimates include women, men and children. Victims are generally trafficked into the U.S. from Asia, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. Many victims trafficked into the United States do not speak and understand English and are therefore isolated and unable to communicate with service providers, law enforcement and others who might be able to help them.

2010 marked the first time the US was ranked in the  Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report documenting human trafficking and modern slavery.

Reflections:

• Is human traffiking merely a minor problem in developed countries?
• Were you surprised to learn that there are approximately 3/4 of million victims according to the US State Department?
• Do you think it is not a problem where you live?

Join the discussion by commenting below.