I'm guessing we've gone past the point of trying to prove that human trafficking is modern-day slavery in its most cruel form...
In case you're still stuck in this phase, just imagine yourself. Imagine yourself, or your sister, or brother, or partner. Imagine going to bed, and being dragged off suddenly in the middle of the night. Next thing you know, you're stripped of all support: no money, no contact with folks, nothing! in a strange environment. You're forced to do unimaginable things to keep alive. Your self-worth is torn to shreds; your trust, violated and you can't even protest... because your 'boss' has not only caged you physically, but emotionally and psychologically!
Okay, let's move on. Here are 10 sad facts about human trafficking that you might not know:
1.
Human trafficking has been identified as the largest human rights violation in all history of mankind.2.
After drug smuggling and arms
dealing, human trafficking comes in a close second as the largest criminal network in the world.
3.
According to estimates, approximately 80% of human trafficking involves sexual exploitation, while 19% involves labor exploitation.4.
The average age of young women victims of human trafficking is 12–14 years old.
5.
Worldwide, about 13 million
children account for nearly half of
trafficking victims.
6.
According to the Walk
Free Foundation’s 2014 Global Slavery Index, Nigeria has Africa’s largest
number of people living in modern slavery.
7.
Trafficked children are
significantly more susceptible, later in life, to mental health problems, abuse substances, prostitution, and violent
crimes.
8.
As at 2015, the European Union estimated that 60% of all sex workers in Italy and Belgium are Nigerian women.
 |
| Silence NEVER favours the victim. NEVER! |
9.
Another disturbing aspect
is the trafficking of pregnant women for their newborns. The traffickers sell
the babies in black markets for even greater profit.
10.
Sadly, Sadly, Sadly, majority of trafficking
victims are tricked into it by trusted friends or family members.
So what exactly can you do? Did I hear you say you don't have an NGO or enough money to make a mark? You're wrong. If all you have is your mouth, then SPEAK UP against human trafficking. It's usually closer to us than we think. That neighbour with her 'housegirl'. The Aunty who brought her 'sister' from the village to 'train' in the city. The man sexually exploiting that small girl.
Whatever it is, and wherever you see it, speak up. You cannot be neutral in this fight. Silence never favours the victim, remember?
Sources:
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