I first heard about the A21 Campaign at Soul Survivor earlier this year (http://www.soulsurvivor.com/uk/ss2012/). A woman named Julia spoke about how she rowed the Atlantic with a small team of women to raise funding and awareness for the A21 Campaign. I was so touched and inspired by her story and the horrific statistics about human trafficking and modern day slavery that I knew I could not turn my back on it and walk away. I knew my life and my purpose had changed in that moment and now I am endeavouring to live it out in any way that I possibly can.
As this cause and organisation is so close to my heart, it will particularly get a lot of ‘air time’ from me, so expect to read a lot more about it in the future!
(The following information is compiled from the A21 Campaign’s website)
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The A21 Campaign
The A21 Campaign stands for Abolishing Injustice in the 21st Century.
Anyone can join. Everyone can make a difference.
When confronted with the horrific statistics surrounding human trafficking, it is easy to agree on the fact that "someone should do something." The A21 Campaign was born when the decision was made to raise our hand, and be that "someone." It was a decision of ordinary people who decided to take responsibility regarding the issue of human trafficking. So with little knowledge, and a lot of passion, in 2007 we set out to make a difference.
We do not claim to be the "experts" and recognize that our fight for justice has only just begun, but The A21 Campaign rings true through the famous words of Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Human trafficking is an organized criminal industry that affects every nation. While the statistics can seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that every number represents the life of a victim. The A21 Campaign has recognized a significant need in the region of Europe, and is committed to combating this injustice through rescuing one life at a time.
Life for a Sex Trafficking Victim
After a trafficking journey that typically involves deception, rape, beatings, and constant threats, victims are often forced to live in confining and unsanitary conditions. Once formally put to work, human trafficking victims can be forced to service from 40 to 110 customers in one day. Malnutrition, sleep deprivation, as well as emotional and physical abuse become part of the day-to-day routine.
In addition to the abuse, forced abortions and the contraction of STI's, Hepatitis B and C, and AIDS are ever looming probabilities. Life for a victim of sex trafficking is hell on earth. This injustice is the reason The A21 Campaign exists.
The Statistics: Europe
· Human trafficking is the second largest global organized crime today, generating approximately 31.6 billion USD each year. Specifically, trafficking for sexual exploitation generates 27.8 billion USD per year.
· There are 1.39 million victims of commercial sexual servitude worldwide.
· Over 25 percent of sex trafficked victims are trafficked from Southern and Eastern Europe.
· 90% of victims trafficked into the European Union member states will end up in the sex industry.
· Tragically, only 1-2 percent of victims are rescued, and only 1 in 100,000 Europeans involved in trafficking are convicted.
Understanding the Issue in Europe
While human trafficking is a global issue, the growth of trafficking of women from Eastern and Southern Europe (the former Soviet Bloc) into Western Europe over the past 20 years has been unparalleled anywhere else on the globe. This trend has developed due to a specific combination of factors:
With a critical awareness of the overarching factors that cause trafficking in Europe, A21 has developed our strategy to combat this injustice.
The A21 Campaign is comprised of individuals, organizations, government officials, and people like you who are committed to abolishing injustice in the 21st century. Our goal is four-fold:
· Prevent people from being trafficked
· Protect and support those who have been trafficked
· Prosecute traffickers, and strengthen legal responses to trafficking
· Partner with law enforcement, service providers and community members to provide a comprehensive front against trafficking
The A21 Campaign dreams of a tomorrow with no more trafficked victims to assist, because human trafficking has been abolished. To see this dream become a reality, we are addressing some of the root causes of trafficking by working with vulnerable girls and paying clients.
For more information about the A21 Campaign, visit: http://www.thea21campaign.org/home.php and also support the A21 Campaign on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-A21-Campaign/194115677277113?sk=app_4949752878
Tomorrow’s post will be about A21 Campaign’s official National Anti-slavery day: Key2Free (see http://www.thea21campaign.org/key-2-free.php for more information).
Thank you for your support on this campaign!
Blessings!
Ronell x
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’. And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” {Matthew 18v1-6}
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