Human Trafficking: The Underground Life

By: Nia A.

Could you imagine someone being sold and traded against his or her will for money?

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. Many people never think of the possibilities of such a cruel and tragic thing. Every day young boys and girls leave home to go to school and some never return.  Many people think that human trafficking is most common in foreign countries but in fact, every year as many as 17,500 people are trafficked to the United States from over 50 countries worldwide, of which 80 percent are female and 50 percent are children.  This not only negatively affects the United States Global Economy, but also today over twenty – seven million people are enslaved worldwide.

Today an Indian child can be bought for only $35, an Eastern European woman for $500, and a Brazilian agricultural laborer for $100.  These numbers these numbers are completely undermining to ones self-worth considering that in 1850 an African slave was nominally worth $40,000, this is why this illegal and cruel action should be stopped!  It is imperative that the we put our best foot forward to help any effort to stop the underground violence.  Many people are forced to work in extremely exploited conditions with little to no pay.  Young girls turn to the streets for survival only to find trouble that becomes impossible to escape.  Many people do not understand the severity of these things and they do not understand that these things happen in their own back yards.  I once watched a documentary that was filmed ONE block away from the White house and there were so many people that would never suspect that someone would be brave enough to pay do such a thing so close to one of the most protected places in the world.  It was heartbreaking to see twelve year olds trying to walk in heels the best they can in fear because they know that someone is somewhere lurking as these young girls march to keep themselves alive.  Girls younger than me that should be my Girl Scout sisters really truly trying to survive makes me appreciate what I have more.

We as a whole have the power of the world in our hands meaning that with the smallest amount of effort put forward, then we can out an end to anything we put our minds to.

     To show your support in the effort to stop child trafficking please go to www.sctnow.org