Human Trafficking and Raising Awareness of the Anti Trafficking Movement - Research Paper Example

Human Trafficking and Raising Awareness of the Anti Trafficking Movement Abstract Human trafficking is a trade that is flourishing within and across the national borders of many countries around the world. Official estimates show that about two million people, comprising mainly of children and women, are victims to of crime each year. This illegal trade is not only an obstacle to economic and social development, but it is also a severe human rights violation. Human trafficking is clearly, slavery practiced in the modern day. It is a brutal crime that destroys lives and steals innocence. According to the United States Department of State, it is estimated that 14,500 to 17,500 of the victims of human trafficking find their way into the United States (International Organization for Migration, 2012). The International Labor Organization (ILO) which is an agency of the United Nations says that millions more get trafficked within the borders of their own countries. Most victims of this trade are forced to work in sex entertainment industry or prostitution rings. Trafficking can also be in the form of labor exploitation. The victims are subjected to domestic servitude, janitorial work, restaurant work, migrant agricultural work and sweatshop factory work (International Organization for Migration, 2012). It is now acknowledged that effective action against human trafficking is needed. Comprehensive and integrated approaches are necessary in order to tackle this menace effectively. The type of movement The anti trafficking movement’s goal is to fight against all forms of exploitation of migrants. The movement especially focuses on the severe human rights violations that trafficked persons suffer. The movement seeks to build global presence and individual commitment by strengthening the capacities of its partners in the civil society and government. It also aims to set operational standards that will enable the movement to achieve sustainable results. The long run goals of the movement are to provide protection to trafficked men, women, boys and girls through empowerment. It also seeks to raise understanding and awareness of the problem so as to get justice to trafficked persons. The movement applies both qualitative and quantitative research when tackling the issue of human trafficking so as to better inform its work and the work of other groups. Some of the areas looked into include human trafficking routes, the causes and consequences of human trafficking, the impact of this trade on both the trafficked person and society at large. Other areas covered are the structures, modus operandi, and motivation of the criminal groups that engage in this trade. This work is done both at national and international level. Data on human trafficking from different regions is collected and analyzed so as to provide better support and cooperation between countries in combating the cross border trafficking. The Organization also does considerable research into legislation and policy in order to enable governments form relevant laws to curb this problem. A brief history of the movement When compared to other human rights movements, the anti trafficking movement is considered to be relatively new. Human trafficking is a trade that has been ongoing for very many years yet it has managed to remain disguised all this long. Culturally and legally, it is easier to arrest and prosecute those involved under different crimes such as smuggling, prostitution, or child abuse (Limoncelli, 2010). The newness of the anti trafficking movement explains the lack of statistics on victims, survivors and traffickers. The fight against human trafficking has only been revamped recently in the 1990s. The movement has since gained a lot of momentum with many human rights organizations joining the movement. New movements such as iEmpathize have been established to specifically deal with this problem (Riley, 2012). Aspects of the movement Exploration The movement seeks to investigate the causes of trafficking, and the effects that result from it. The movement recognizes that this is an issue affecting a myriad of audiences. Human trafficking is regarded as one of the most far-reaching human rights problems that currently affect many nations in the world. Movements such as iEmpathise are some of the few voices that currently address this issue. The anti trafficking movement has a brief history though the problem has been with us for a very long time. Exploration involves getting to know the victims. This is done through collective input that helps gather information on the trends in human trafficking. In is necessary to keep up to date with what is happening around the world so as to ensure that any changes in tactics applied by the criminals in their activities are noted (Riley, 2012). Exploration has enabled the movement to gather crucial data and information on organized criminal groups that operate in different parts of the globe. Such information has been used to counter the movements and activities of these groups. In a bid to enhance exploration efforts, the movement is seeking partners all around the world. This is essential in helping the movement establish its presence in all majorly affected areas. Engaging It is crucial for the movement to liaison with other likeminded organizations. The movement seeks to make people understand the problem so as to get solutions to it. There are films, photos and artifacts together with related books that have been produced on the subject of human trafficking. All these seek to create empathy among people so that they participate in collective action against trafficking. The movement boosts its effectiveness by promoting volunteerism. Volunteers offer their respective skills in photography, design, planning, consulting, and law among others (Riley, 2012). These specific skills are used to help engage other people and help organizations such as iEmpathise in furthering their course. Due to financial constraints, such skills come in handy. Other avenues used for engagement include businesses and social media such as Facebook and twitter. The aim is to encourage networking so as to have as many people as possible joining the cause. Personal campaigns are also encouraged. This is one of the ways through which the movement has tremendously grown. Experience This involves engaging in activities that promote the goals of the movement. Hosting of empathy events has been one way of engaging the public and raising funds. Narratives and mixed media experiences are effectively employed to capture the attention of the public. iEmpathize photography, films and artifact that dwell on the issue of trafficking profoundly impact the audience when communicating specific stories. The media is usually detailed to bring out the clearest picture possible regarding this problem. These media is featured at galleries, museums, businesses, universities, conferences, faith communities, television, government venues, and radio (Riley, 2012) . Empower To empower basically means to enable people so that they can stand up for their rights. Due to the shortage of recovery centers and homes and the many hurdles encountered in establishing them, it becomes imperative for well wishers to step in and offer assistance to the victims. Some of the ways through which this is done is by direct distribution of funds to survivors in foster care, shelters and even those who manage to return to their homes. This response is guided by facts collected from law enforcement agencies and victim service providers. Funding often includes shelter, food, clothes, rehabilitation, therapy, medical expenses and education. The movement also addresses issues to do with recidivism, job training and transition after ordeals, job placement, and justice for survivors (Riley, 2012). Future vision of those involved The movement seeks to enlighten society on the detrimental effects brought about by human trafficking. A society that is apathetic provides a safe haven for victimizers to hide, plan and grow their criminal enterprises. A sympathetic society on the other hand is one that is aware of the victimization that persons affected by trafficking undergo and make an effort to end it (Freedom for Innocence.org., 2011). Sympathy is a great step in the correct direction but both sympathetic and apathetic societies seem to fail in addressing this injustice. In order to ensure that communities are actively involved in fighting human trafficking, various projects are to be established. The movement also seeks partners that will assist in expanding its outreach and also ensuring that the movement is well oiled to conduct its activities with ease. The projects will be independent of the partners. The goals of these projects will be to positively impact on the victimized and vulnerable persons, to meet the immediate needs of the victims and to assess potential partnership. The partnerships are expected to be long term collaborations that will go a long way in fighting the vice. The partners will be sought from different parts of the globe so as to ensure that all regions are represented when it comes to fighting the traffickers. This will ensure that no loopholes are left for them to exploit. The partnerships will be crucial in increasing awareness about the movement. This is one of the main aims of the movement. Conclusion In order to deal with the complex problems brought about by human trafficking effectively, comprehensive policies, strong political will and coordinated efforts between all stakeholders are necessary. Groups that fight against trafficking should be actively involved in developing anti trafficking programs. This will ensure that the programs are adequately shaped to protect at risk groups from the traffickers. The core focus of the movement remains to agitate for the rights of the victims. The movement also takes care to ensure that groups such as undocumented migrants do not get stigmatized, penalized, or harmed in the course of tackling anti-trafficking activities (United States Department of Human Health Services, 2006). The movement has opened my eyes to the realities about human trafficking. It is now clear that active participation by as many people as possible is the best way to tackle this vice. This problems need to be discussed even among families and friends. Knowledge on the issue should be shared so as to enlighten every person about this problem. Participation in an in an anti-trafficking organization will go a long way in playing a role in fighting trafficking. Communities should be unified so that each person minds the welfare of his or her neighbor. This will ensure that the whereabouts of all persons in the community are known so as to curtail on trafficking. It is important to care for other people and be our brother’s keeper. References Freedom for Innocence.org. (2011). Human Trafficking. Retrieved from http://freedom4innocence.org/human-trafficking/ Riley, Brad. (2012). iEmpathise. Retrieved from http://iempathize.org/about/our-story/ International Organization for Migration. (2012). Counter Trafficking. Retrieved from http://www.iom.int/jahia/page748.html Limoncelli, A. S. (2010). The Politics of trafficking. California: Stanford University Press. United States Department of Human Health Services. (2006). HHS Fights to Stem Human Trafficking. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/news/factsheet/humantrafficking.html Read More