After being encouraged by several to undertake the task of blogging, I have decided to take the plunge. I do this not because I think I am unique or offer some thought that has never been voiced. I do this to raise a banner of awareness to the problem of human trafficking and exploitation in our world. This blight on the world stage is something that is denied by many, avoided by most, and addressed honestly by a few. Therefore I welcome everyone to this blog who has a genuine interest in the crisis of trafficking and exploitation in our world.
Trafficking is a problem that every country has to contend in some fashion. Trafficking continues to grow and claim lives from North America to Southeast Asia and everywhere in between. The exploitation of people for profit is not only widespread today, but has roots that reach back to recorded history. The Code of Hammurabi details slaves as the Bible addresses the issue. However, in our day of freedom, awareness, tolerance, and law the problem of exploitation is a bigger business than ever.
So, in each blog, I have plans of details a certain aspect of the plague of modern day slavery. Today, I want you, dear reader, to understand that wherever you live, work, and play today-exploitation is a problem. From Atlanta, Georgia to Seattle, Washington to Pattaya, Thailand and everywhere in between the problem persists. Let's do not call it a problem per se, let's refer to it for what it is-a human rights violation of the highest order. Trafficking and exploitation robs a person of their freedom, dignity, self-worth, health, and views them as a commodity to be sold rather than a human being to be valued and celebrated.
I can give you statistics, dollar amounts, and percentages that relate to the business of violating human rights, but it really does not mean a great deal until you look into the eyes of a young lady who has just been rescued and see the utter despair, but the glimmer of hope in her eyes. The number of children at risk of exploitation is inconceivable, but looking into the face of an innocent child brings into clear focus the need to end this nightmare for so many.
Let us not place our heads in the sand, but stare down the darkness and provide a beacon of hope.
