Human Trafficking — Pleading Ignorance Is No Longer An Acceptable Response

 “Knowledge without action is worse than ignorance.”

Mira Sorvina’s quote, from her comments at the 2011 Global Forum on Human Trafficking, will undoubtedly be repeated over and over again.  And with good reason.  As the issue of human trafficking gains more exposure, it becomes increasingly difficult to plead ignorance.  With our growing awareness comes the challenge to take action.

We are no longer ignorant of the atrocity of human trafficking.  It exists globally; it is a growing business; it is happening in our own communities.  Gratefully, many major organizations have begun to tackle the problem, providing much-needed exposure and resources.

So pleading ignorance is no longer a feasible or acceptable response.

Not when companies like CNN launch year-long projects to “join the fight to end modern-day slavery and shine a spotlight on the horrors of modern-day slavery, amplify the voices of the victims, highlight success stories and help unravel the complicated tangle of criminal enterprises trading in human life.”

Not when organizations like Not For Sale offer to consumers a free download for Androids and iPhones that reads barcodes and provides a company’s grade, on a scale of “A” through “F,” on their anti-slavery efforts.  Go to www.free2work.org for yours!

Not when organizations like the Polaris Project – www.polarisproject.org – offer anyone with an internet connection vast amounts of information and resources, including state-by-state guides.

Not when readily available fair trade products ensure that you are purchasing slave-free merchandise from an ethical supply chain.

Many brands you know and love support slavery.  How?  By not paying adequate attention to the sources of their materials.  Cotton, coffee, chocolate, computers, cell phones – things we all buy – support slavery.  Ask companies to find out where their materials are coming from.

And please visit www.productsofslavery.org for a global look at the top 25 countries where products are likely to be produced by modern day slaves.  Many other countries, including the U.S., may not be in the top 25, but that doesn’t mean that forced or child labor doesn’t exist there.  In the U.S., the citrus, sugar and tobacco industries are among those where forced labor is an issue.  Recently, in the state of Pennsylvania, trafficked individuals were found working for a sub-contracted cleaning company in WalMarts, Targets and other retail and office buildings.

Now you know – and it’s time for action.  Become an abolitionist!  Help to free the millions of slaves around the world – some of whom are undoubtedly working for you.

Tags: Global Forum on Human Trafficking, human trafficking, Mira Sorvina, slavery