5 ways you can fight human trafficking

“One hundred and fifty years ago, our Nation codified the fundamental truth that slavery is an affront to human dignity. Still, the bitter fact remains that millions of men, women, and children around the globe, including here at home, are subject to modern-day slavery: the cruel, inhumane practice of human trafficking. This month, we rededicate ourselves to assisting victims of human trafficking and to combating it in all its forms.”
-Excerpt from December 31, 2015 Presidential Proclamation –

You may have noticed an increase in discussion about human trafficking recently. It is easy to think about such a horrid practice to be isolated in far off places. Unfortunately, human trafficking is present in various industries, both internationally and within U.S. borders. From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, there is a chance that the items we buy have made it to our doorstep by means of modern-day slavery.

How does this happen in the 21st century?

The answer is a combination of what makes people vulnerable to exploitation and a trafficker’s willingness to exploit a fellow human being for profit. Although human trafficking victims are from all different ethnic, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds, one commonality remains: vulnerability. As is true of most cases of modern slavery, a trafficker seeks out vulnerable people and falsely promises to meet a genuine need or perceived need.

What circumstances can make a person vulnerable?

1. Economic vulnerability, including no available jobs or jobs that pay below a living wage. Around 40% of the world’s population lives on less than $2 a day.

2. Regional political instability, such as war and conflict. Refugees are among the most vulnerable populations.

3. Personal vulnerability, such as emotional insecurity, homelessness, victim of domestic or sexual abuse, or social discrimination. In 2014, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children estimated that1 in 6 endangered runaways reported to them were likely sex trafficking victims.

4. Natural disasters such as an earthquake, flood, or drought. Natural disasters can stress or fracture already limited governments and infrastructures creating desperate situations.

Traffickers use a combination of lies, physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and threats to exploit victims, often isolating victims from family or society and then confiscating identification and money to maintain control. It is difficult to escape or seek help when victims find themselves in an unknown area with no connections where they may not know the local language or laws and rights. In places where authorities are paid to “look the other way,” victims have next to no options to regain their freedom.

Five things you can do TODAY to help END human trafficking:

1.Educate yourself. Learn more about human trafficking in your area. Knowledge is powerful. We must have knowledge to know the right course of action. Here are some great places to start:

• https://polarisproject.org
• https://www.unicefusa.org/mission/protect/trafficking
• https://polarisproject.org
• https://www.unicefusa.org/mission/protect/trafficking

2. Reduce your slavery footprint by choosing slavery free brands. It is exceptionally powerful to purchase from companies that help stop the cycle of exploitation by providing opportunities for those at risk and survivors of trafficking. Many company websites now include supply chain information. For more information about possible use of slave labor and other ethical companies:

• http://productsofslavery.org
• http://labourbehindthelabel.net
• http://shopwithmeaning.org/
• http://productsofslavery.org
• http://labourbehindthelabel.net
• http://shopwithmeaning.org/

3. Raise awareness by posting about what you have learned. Awareness can help make a difference! Awareness efforts get us thinking outside ourselves and our own concerns to consider how others live. This opens our hearts and minds to compassion and puts our own circumstances in perspective.

4. Encourage your favorite brands to be slavery-free and transparent in their supply chains by posting on their social media platforms. Consumers have immense power to change the way companies operate. If consumers insist companies supply chains be slavery free, they will be.

5. Write your congressman or sign the national pledge to call for increased commitment to fighting human trafficking.

The heart of Made for Freedom centers on the belief that we can make a difference–that you can make a difference. If not you, then who? If not now, then when? Join us in the fight against human trafficking today!

Made for Freedom is a St. Louis social enterprise, working to pursue a world free of human trafficking. Our products are made with dignity by those at risk and survivors of sex trafficking. We partner with restoration/employment centers around the world that provide dignified employment for women coming out of desperate situations. Through making our Creabeli products - jewelry, apparel, purses, and more, women are provided with a safe place to work, a good wage and the dignity that comes with supporting themselves.

We pair our creative style with a desire to act against injustice as a part of the global movement seeking a world without human trafficking. Our socially conscious customers participate in providing justice for oppressed groups of people. Made for Freedom showcases individual style through unique apparel that funds the fight against trafficking and restoration of survivors.

Learn more at www.MadeforFreedom.com.

Questions? Reach out to Danni Eickenhorst, of Blank Page Marketing Consulting for more at (314) 300-6675.