I am very passionate about this topic. It angers me how human beings can treat one another with such disrespect and cruelty. I believe it is our duty and responsibility to fight against human trafficking in all its forms.

There are various forms of Human trafficking all of which are inhumane and illegal.

Following are a few types:

·         Baby Trafficking (For Sale)

·         Labour Trafficking (Work in sweat shops, restricted construction sites, Domestic Workers, etc.)

·         Sex Trafficking (Exotic Entertainers, Forced Prostitution, Sex Slaves, Massage Parlors, Strip Clubs, etc.)

·         Mail Order Brides (Deceived into marriage and then abused)

·         Kidnapping (Human organs sold for medical purposes, Ransom, etc.)

Often we come across individuals who are victims of Human Trafficking but we fail to notice as we are ill-informed and ill-equipped to handle or perceive the situation.

Following are pointers which might help identify a probable Human trafficking case.

·         High Security on certain commercial establishments which normally would not require such security

·         Women are not allowed out of these establishments without an escort or some sort of guard.

·         In case of construction sites, individuals are restricted from leaving the work place and often live and work in the same location

·         Lot of electronic and manned security in areas which normally would not require such enforcement

·         In case of forced prostitution, you will notice a steady flow of men into the establishment but limited or no flow of women out of the establishment.

·         Often you may come across an individual with no identification , paperwork and unable to communicate with you due to lack of knowledge of local language, they may appear disorientated and lost.

                

If you come across cases such as these, beware and avoid confrontation, contact the appropriate authorities and pray that they do something.

If you do come across an individual who you suspect is a victim of Human Trafficking, ask simple questions, ensure your privacy is secure and listen to tell tale signs such as follows.

·         They are scared and fearful

·         They do not hold their own identification paperwork

·         They carry limited amounts of money.

·         They may suffer from post-traumatic stress

·         They may suffer from bruises, cuts, bruises.

·         There maybe signs of sexual abuse

·         They may suffer from dehydration and appear malnourished

·         They may suffer from sexually transmitted diseases

·         They may have very poor personal hygiene

If you notice the above, there might be a definite case of Human Trafficking. Following a few of the question that could follow in the conversation with a victim.

·         Ask where they are from.

·         Inquire where they currently live.

·         Ask if there are other individuals with having similar situation as them

·         Ask them if they have their own identification paper work such as their passport etc.

·         Ask them if they are able to enter and leave their current place of residence with freedom or they need an escort.

·         Ask them plainly if they are being held against their will

As individuals there is probably very little we can do to prevent this pandemic, but united we can do a lot. As individuals working away from country of origin we need to educated, inform and make aware to all the new comers from our countries, the dangerous which lurk around, as a courtesy and duty to protect our fellow countrymen.

We should not allow anyone to profit from the captivity, slavery, cruelty, abuse and mistreatment of another human being.

I personally am on a quest to tackle this issue, it might take me some time to get in a position where I can really make a difference but I know I will. Certain members of my family are already actively involved in tackling Global Human Trafficking and I am heading down that same road.

Here are some useful links.

http://www.rescueandrestore.com/

http://www.unanima-international.org/

http://www.ungift.org/

http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/bangkok/child/trafficking/index.htm

http://www.humantrafficking.org/

http://www.iom.int/

 

I will not take up arms to protect myself, but I will do all in my power to protect and preserve the life of a loved one or any human being who is defenseless.

Let us be the key to their freedom by breaking the chains of their captivity

God forgives, but in such cases I don’t and I won’t.

This is Mac signing off.

God Bless You and Good Night