In our modern world, there is a perception that slavery is something that happened a long time ago. People talk about slavery in the past tense, like it is no longer an issue. The sad reality is that an estimated 27 million people are enslaved around the world today—more than at any other point in history.
Modern-day slavery, while not as overt or easy to spot as it once was, is no less cruel or widespread.
All over the world, women, children and men are being bought and sold for the purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labor, armed conflict, the removal and sale of body parts, begging networks or other exploitative activities. Trafficking in persons (TIP) fuels conflicts, terrorism, the spread of disease and organized crime; destabilizes communities and economies, and promotes corruption at all levels of government.
From shadowy back-alleys in 3rd world countries to right here in our own back yard, this is an ongoing humanitarian crisis that must be stopped.
WHI’s Modern-Day Abolitionist Movement
A new era of the slave trade requires a new response from today’s world. We need to start a new Abolitionist Movement. That’s where you come in…
In an effort to fight modern-day slavery, WHI sponsors anti-trafficking programs in Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Hong Kong and the US. Our programs provide care and support for trafficking victims and equip communities with the training they need to patrol and eliminate trafficking in their area.
Here’s a brief glimpse of what we’re up against:
Bonded labor: 20 million people
Early/forced marriage: 51 million girls under 18 forced to marry
Forced labor: 12.3 million people in compulsory labor
Trafficking: 2-4 million people trafficked each year
Child labor: Estimated 200 million children affected
(Stats from UN/ILO)
Anyone can be an abolitionist. No matter your age or standing in this world, you can do something to prevent human trafficking and slavery. The exploitation of human beings – especially children – is vile and inexcusable. Human exploitation is also our burden, our responsibility and our problem to fix. Join us today as we help to protect the vulnerable and care for the exploited.
Resources
Anti-Trafficking Brochure (PDF)
What Can I Do? (Learn more about how you can get involved, PDF)
U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons 2010 Tier Placements Map (Look for WHI under Cambodia, South Africa, Liberia and Sierra Leone)
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