Spoiler alert – it’s bigger than a big deal – it’s a disaster. To think that one in 185 people are involved in being trafficked – that’s amazing.
Considering that most people on average know at least 200 other people, that means that possibly one of your friends or acquaintances could be a victim.
Just look at these statistics from a recent article by Thomson Reuters:
* At least 40.3 million people worldwide are modern slaves. About 20 million are forced to work, across farms, factories and fishing boats, 15.4 million are made to wed and nearly 5 million are trapped in the sex trade.
* Women and girls account for seven in 10 victims of modern slavery. A quarter of all victims are children.
* North Korea has the world’s highest rate of modern slavery – with about one in 10 enslaved – followed by Eritrea (9.3%) Burundi (4%), Central African Republic (2.2%) and Afghanistan (2.2%).
* India is home to the largest number of modern slaves – with 8 million – followed by China (3.86 million), Pakistan (3.19 million), North Korea (2.64 million) and Nigeria (1.39 million).
* The crime is estimated to generate illegal profits of at least $150 billion a year for human traffickers.
* Modern slavery is prevalent in developed countries as well as developing nations – an estimated 136,000 people are enslaved across Britain and 403,000 in the United States.
* As of the start of 2019, 47 countries had not criminalized human trafficking, 96 nations had not criminalized forced labor, and 133 had not criminalized forced marriage.
Knowing that human trafficking is such an issue, we each need to pray and work for its eradication. Get involved – every little action could pay huge dividends.
While you’re here – nine more articles you might enjoy
The worst thing your child won’t tell you
What to tell your child before it’s too late
Can you believe human zoos existed in this country
Learn the dangerous language of human traffickers before your child does
Learning the facts about sexual violence – these stats are incredible
Want to get involved with ending human trafficking?
Saint Bakhita – patron saint of trafficking victims
Look beneath the surface – would you recognize someone being trafficked?
Make a friend – save someone from becoming a trafficking victim
