SHOCKFACTS: Human trafficking

Issue 

  • An estimated 700,000 to four million people are trafficked annually worldwide.

  • Trafficking occurs for a variety of purposes, including bonded labour, forced prostitution, forced marriage and the stealing of human organs.

  • Approximately 50,000 women and children are trafficked annually into the US for sexual exploitation.

  • Thai trafficking victims in Japan are regularly detained as illegal aliens and deported with a five-year ban on reentering the country.

  • In 2002, almost half the chocolate produced in the US was linked to cocoa beans harvested by child labourers in C“te d'Ivoire, West Africa. Many of the children had been trafficked from neighbouring countries.

[Source: <http://hrw.org>. Got a shockfact? Email <glw@greenleft.org.au>.]

From Green Left Weekly, September 8, 2004.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.


If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.