Demonstration Held At Town Hall Against Human Trafficking

LINDENHURST, NY — A non-profit that fights against human and child trafficking hosted a special event to raise awareness in Lindenhurst last week. Last Thursday, Operation Underground Railroad hosted various live streamed events on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons across country to bring this issue to light.

According to the group, there are an estimated 2 million children worldwide involved some way in sex trafficking and slavery. Every 30 seconds a person is sold into sex slavery, with the numbers rising due to the pandemic this year.

During the event, 30 demonstration leaders in respective communities around the United States that plan to host "Rise Up" demonstrations at several locations, including one at Babylon Town Hall on 200 E. Sunrise Highway.

Photo credit: Dominique Sarcona

The goal of the demonstrations was to call on governments to make a commitment to continue giving resources that will help fight against traffickers and online pedophiles, according to the group.

"This is a subject that no one wants to talk about," Janet Lombardo, Team Leader, O.U.R. New York Long Island Team, said. "It is the most horrendous crime. We have to speak up and speak loud so people know that there are children suffering every day. Children who want to be saved from sex trafficking. We have to be their voice."

In addition to the demonstrations, Tim Ballard, founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad wrote a letter asking officials to provide more resources to fight human trafficking such as forensic mobile labs, electronic detection K9s, and more advanced training.

Check out additional photos from the demonstration in Lindenhurst below:

Photo credit: Dominique Sarcona

Photo credit: Dominique Sarcona

Photo credit: Dominique Sarcona

Photo credit: Dominique Sarcona

Photo credit: Dominique Sarcona

Photo credit: Dominique Sarcona

Photo credit: Dominique Sarcona

Photo courtesy of Janet Lombardo

Photo courtesy of Janet Lombardo

Photo courtesy of Janet Lombardo

Photo courtesy of Janet Lombardo