You Need To Learn More About Human Trafficking | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

You Need To Learn More About Human Trafficking

It is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, so here's what you should know about it

14
You Need To Learn More About Human Trafficking
The Borgen Project

27 million men, women, and children are enslaved. That's right, there are 27 million men, women and children just like you, just like me, just like us that are trapped. You might not know it, but it is happening in America as we speak. January is National Human Trafficking Awareness month and February 23rd is End It Day. This is something that sits heavy on my heart. It makes me so incredibly angry. I cannot understand how someone could ever think that selling another human being is okay. Hopefully through this, A light can be shined on the slavery that still happens today.

Out of the 27 million people enslaved, only 1-2% of those people will be rescued out of slavery. That number should not be as low as it is. Human trafficking is so much more than just the being a slave in a sweatshop. There are people, younger than I that are being sold into sex slavery, especially in third world countries. They are being forced into prostitution. The average age of someone who is a victim of human trafficking is just 12 years old. Once again, it blows my mind that someone thinks that what they are doing is okay.

When I was in eighth or ninth grade, I went to a Peace Promise event at a local college. It started off as a service project with my small group, but it ended up being the start of something that I became very passionate about. Peace Promise is an organization that is in place to help those being trafficked out of it. At this Peace Promise event, the speaker said something that stuck with me.She said something along the lines of how the traffickers didn't wake up one day and decide to do what they do. Something caused them to go to the lifestyle they currently are living. While I don't understand what would cause anyone to enter this lifestyle, I do think it's important to understand that they did not start off like this.

I want to leave you all with some sources so that you can learn more. I also want to explain End It Day a little more. End It Day is on February 23rd this year. It is apart of the End It Movement. If you feel so inclined, on February 23rd, you would draw a red x on your hand in order to shine a light on slavery. It's a great conversation starter. I've done it for the past four years and there's something about it that makes me feel like I'm doing something even if it's not a lot. Another website that I use for a lot of information is called A21, There are a few stories of survivors as well as a lot of information. I would recommend going through their sight. I know it's a little sad, but I hope y'all gained some knowledge. So all the links will be at the end. I hope you guys realize that no one should allowed to put a price on you or anyone else.

Peace Promise- http://www.peacepromise.org/

A21- http://www.a21.org/

End it Movement- https://enditmovement.com/index.html


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

145184
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

35642
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

31696
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments