Emma's activism through art (click to go to video) shines a needed spotlight on human trafficking
click to go to original article
Directly from connectheworldblogs.cnn.com:
September 18, 2009
Emma Thompson is raising awareness about human trafficking. Thompson, who made her name in costume dramas such as “Brideshead Revisited” and “The Remains of the Day,” has spent the past 18 months exploring a much darker world: that of human trafficking.
Working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Thompson has created “Journey,” an art project that raises awareness about the issue by getting people to experience just a small part of the ordeals endured by those sucked into this illegal trade.
Thompson’s project draws together the work of several artists to highlight some of the horrors of human trafficking, primarily the cruel and violent sexual exploitation faced by tens of thousands of women.
Scenes from this underworld are recreated inside graffiti-daubed shipping containers, in a powerful art installation that has traveled through both Britain and the United States.
Send in your questions for Emma Thompson now and watch her reaction later this week.
Filed under: Connector of the day
BLOG REPLIES TO EMMA:
September 19th, 2009 930 GMT Little does the U.S. know it has human trafficking in a small city like Dublin, Georgia. Yet nothing is done by U.S. authorities, in regards to Vietnamese being trafficked by “fellow” Vietnamese. I wonder if Ms Thompson has ever faced similar situation – even in the USA?
Mark Bangsboll September 19th, 2009 937 GMT Even more horrific than your story of human trafficing is the kidnapping and selling of children for body parts. This has received little attention but is common in such countries as Afghanistan and Pakistan. The son of one of my Afghan officers was kidnapped along with 20 other young boys and taken to Pakistan where they were to be used to provide kidneys, livers etcs….He was fortunated enough to escape and tell the story…
Peter Illig September 19th, 2009 1047 GMT Dear Emma, We at Franciscans International, the worlds largest faith-based NGO with UN status and advocating on human rights, have been asked by our friend Ms Gulnara Shahinian, the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, to raise the profile of this issue. We very much would like you to co-chair a roundtable at our Geneva office with Ms. Shahinian. Thank you for your kind consideration, and kudos on your excellent work and leadership. Peter Illig, Development Director, FI-Geneva.
Alice Kang September 19th, 2009 1116 GMT Hello,
I am extremely interested in volunteering my services to help in human trafficking prevention and advocacy. Having lived in Asia and now London, I have seen how trafficking manifests itself in the tourism industry and in small, poor communities.
Do you have any suggestions on how one can get more involved? There seem to be many small, disparate organizations out there but it’s hard to tell which ones are effective or well sponsored. Any suggestions would be most welcome. I feel it’s a humanitarian issue that really needs more support and action.
Thanks,Alice
Lita Robey September 19th, 2009 1152 GMT I lived in Fort Worth, Texas and was so surprised when there was a raid of 7 houses in my neighborhood (middle to up class) historical area. One of these houses was right next door to me, 3 young girls from South America lived there, very quiet and I never really noticed anything unusual.
Japhet Ejueyitsi September 19th, 2009 1206 GMT hello Emma Thompson,i lie the work you rae doing, keep it up.i am writing from nigeria..nigeria to the best of my knowlegde is the wost country in the world in human trafficking.cheers
Hartmut Weiss September 19th, 2009 1236 GMT We are looking at assisting in the re-integration process of victims of human trafficking through establishing a high quality garment manufacturing business in South Africa. Initial employment would be 100 victims. Would the integration into a productive work process with support structures in place be an effective tool to restore the dignity and self-respect of victims? Would the ‘density’ of victims in one workplace be detrimental or supportive in the healing process? Thank you.
Hannah September 19th, 2009 1400 GMT I’ve been a fan for 20 years. Do you have any film projects in the works that could bring attention to human trafficking?
Ulla M. Brown September 19th, 2009 1412 GMT Hello,I am very interested in volunteering my services regarding Human Trafficking.I have lived all over the world, also in Asia and am now in London.I am passionate about HT, and like very much to get involved.Maybe I will hear from you, get a contact or …and go form there, thanks, Ulla B.
James Derrick September 19th, 2009 1509 GMT Thank you for standing up and raising awareness about human trafficking and the inherent horrors therein. To everyone: let us challenge ourselves to do even one thing for the good of humanity and to support the safety and well-being of others.
Marjolein September 19th, 2009 1518 GMT Hello Emma!
Thank you for shining a light on this horrible and cruel reality.I was wondering what exactly is being done to help the women and girls who were the victims of these traffickers in terms of continued support and guidance. Are their specialized shelters to protect them in their countries?
Thank you in advance for your answer!
MarjoleinSt.Germain-en-Laye, FRANCE
Kimberly September 19th, 2009 1622 GMT Alice,
There are several organizations you can connect with that are on the front lines of combatting human trafficking and modern day slavery. One in which I would strongly recommend is the International Justice Mission (www.ijm.org). They are based out of Washington, D.C. but have offices in London and across the globe. They are currently in a huge awareness campaign with the release of a 31 minute documentary on the issue called, “At the End of Slavery”. You can learn more at their site about this film and specific ways to get involved.
Kimberly
lou from paris September 19th, 2009 1716 GMT Dear Emma, i think it is very noble that you are pursuing this. Do you think your work has paid off? have you noticed a difference?
peter September 19th, 2009 1746 GMT Hello Emma, one is at loss for for words,in thanking you for bringing this deplorable practice of human trafficking by so called “human beings”.Mankind’s insensetivity, to other human beings suffering, is always astounding. The world is now over run with Hitler type mind sets.I would suggest that the world seriously finds a way, to technologicly chip every one of us, particularly the more vulnerable woman and children. Please keep up the good work Emma and all of us here look forward to a coordinated world wide movement and effort to eradicte this “INHUMANE PRACTICE”. Peter Mills
Rachel Wyatt September 19th, 2009 1817 GMT It seems the horrible purposes that the victims serve could be performed by anyone from a vulnerable background in any country. So, my question is, where is the need, or profit, in trafficking over such distances? What is the source of demand?Thanks for your time and effort with this project.
Kay Z September 19th, 2009 1820 GMT Emma,Thank you so much for your efforts to bring attention to the issue of human trafficking. I live in Istanbul, Turkey, and be interested to know what organizations are addressing this issue in the Middle East. I do believe when individuals and organizations network together a difference can be made!Kay Z
Doug September 19th, 2009 1837 GMT I wonder if you have explored the soft acceptance of human trafficking for prostitution and “entertainment” by some of the world’s largest economies. I witnessed this wholesale while stationed with the US military in S. Korea. While the official stance is condemnation, most major governments turn a blind eye.
Roel September 19th, 2009 1858 GMT Miss,
do you think it is best to attack the problem at the supply part (the greedy human traficckers that bring the modern-slaves half way across the worl to our doorstep) or do you think it is best to attack the demand part (the greedy rich people that want to have gardeners for 4$ an hour and house servants for 2$ + food) ?
Mordecai September 19th, 2009 2046 GMT It’s so sad to hear that the world has come to this! How am I able to volunteer my services to help stop these horrific crimes. I hope to hear from someone soon.
Take care,
Mordecai
guerro September 19th, 2009 2148 GMT How might I contact Emma concerning a film about this topic, and a real concern about a young celebrity?
http://www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
Karen A September 20th, 2009 303 GMT Hi Emma,
Is there something that the average person could do to help in this crusade or is awareness of the situation the focus at this point?
Gaurav Karunakar September 20th, 2009 337 GMT Dear Emma,
India is one of the places where human trafficking is at its worst. Fair skinned girls from the North-east are the main targets. They are sold by their families or are lured by promises of job, etc and find themselves in the brothels of Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and even Chennai. Sometimes the police are in collution with these traffickers. Politicians also are believed to be involved. I request you to send one o two reporters to India to go deep into the matter.
Gaurav
David Walker September 20th, 2009 513 GMT Taking up Rachel Wyatt’s point, as ever, more funding for grassroots education of poor women and girls in these countries can help protect them. Poor girls in the USA are likely to know where to turn for help. Also continuing support for locally based grassroots self-help projects by women for women. And I’m sure more can be done, even by individual tourists and the CNN to offset the prevailing image in many countries of the developed world as one in which the streets are paved with gold and everyone is rich. So, perhaps simpler lifestyles for some celebrities and tourists alike, and try more to meet people, not just see the sights, it’s fun. Perhaps also we could do with a Slumdog Millionaire for the West.
It is wonderful to see celebrities like Emma doing what they are doing.Long may it continue.
Amy September 20th, 2009 533 GMT This is news? There is no information about what Miss Thompson has researched or learned about this terrible issue. You have a pretty picture of her face posted and virtually no details.How is she going to get her message out like this????
victor September 20th, 2009 752 GMT Congratulations Ms. Thompson for a job well done. We the little people need your voice in striking down human trafficking in the modern world.Where ver one is in this world, greed still plays a factor in life.
jimmy September 20th, 2009 803 GMT If you really want to DO something to stop this you would do something extreme and drastic to get attention — ie, quit making movies and such and spend 60, 70 hours a week on this. Most of the world could only dream of an opportunity to make such a difference. You don’t need to work at a paying job anymore; and if you say that staying high-profile will make 10 hours of your work in this area multiply to 10 times that, simply because you get headlines, I call BS. Go out and really do something. I know a few people in the US who have sold people down in Mexico. Hell, I have sold a few myself, when a man or woman came over for a hit of heroin and passed out on my floor. I feel like I might as well get a kidney out of it, for my trouble. I really do. They are “normal” people with mortgages and good jobs. And what you are doing doesn’t do shit about the relatively low-key, less talked about and less known one, two or three off type situations like the ones I am familiar with. I want to cut your feet off and make cow hoof soup.
hill roberts September 20th, 2009 912 GMT Hello Emma,Greetings from Spain.Thank you for your involvement in this important issue that has the world spinning on its head. Indeed, the crux of the problem lies in the greed and corruption of those countries playing hide and seek and turning a blind eye. Here in Spain, there are now too many Africans from Senegal, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Ghana living in inhumane conditions and some die during the terrible ordeal they go through just crossing thousands of miles on foot from Libya.The people who are trafficked, called “wetbacks” because majority of them cross seas and sometimes never get the chance to reach the shores…sad that these traffickers have not been thoroughly investigated and arrested. Could it be that they are actually supported by those governments who couldn’t care less about their citizens? These guys should be caught, put on trial, thrown in prison. Human trafficking is modern-day holocaust. The UN must try harder to stop this dreaded perennial problem.
Catherine September 20th, 2009 1045 GMT Dear Emma,Thank you for giving your energy to this burning cause. Very little, too little is being done. Please continue.Catherine
Tom September 20th, 2009 1049 GMT Emma, I have been in the U.S. Navy for almost 30 years and have traveled to many places other westerners will never see. I have seen young women killed becuase they would not please their middle eastern or western customer to the satisfaction of the customer or would refuse to go with a customer.
The only thing I have seen in my time is the laws of the U.S. against human trafficking that have followed us overseas. We prosecute americans for this…however as the other military guy above stated, other countries turn a blind eye to HT. The only way to stop human trafficking is to get rid of demand and that will not happen until every country on this planet stands up collectively against it. Supply is there because of the demand. I have seen it in many countries and I still see it… It is only gettin worse. I could give you many exact locations to look with exact details. Tom
Erik September 20th, 2009 1218 GMT For anybody actually interested in the truth about this subject, I highly recommend “Sex at the Margins” by Laura María Agustín.
http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/reviewofbooks_article/5027/
Adam September 20th, 2009 1240 GMT How much of this modern day slave trade is organized by mafia or snakeheads? How much is unorganized, one-man or family operations?
Kathy in the Middle East September 20th, 2009 1257 GMT I thought I was a fan of yours BEFORE this article, Ms. Thompson, but I am a fervent, die-hard fan NOW.
The U.N. esimates that India alone has 65 million children as slaves — over half of them in the sex trade. But as other writers have commented, it’s happening next door in the U.S. as well.
THANK YOU for raising our awareness. Carry on…..
Sebasten Raffal September 20th, 2009 1505 GMT I’m very impressed by your serious work that too by such a wonderful actress. Keep up the good work and keep us all posted.
Steve September 20th, 2009 1549 GMT Child slavery in the garment industry. Every time you buy a garment made in China or India, even famous name brands, you are running a risk of that garment having been produced by a child slave.
We can all do our part and be more responsible consumers and choose products more carefully. Boycott products you know to have been made at the cost of human slavery.
Desiree Abraham September 20th, 2009 1626 GMT Dear Miss Thompson,
I sincerely and enthusiastically applaud your efforts to bring this unbelievably heinous practice to the forefront of mainstream public. When exposing this seedy underworld, I am sure you understand that you may pay a price for there are forces which do not want the profits or pleasures to stop.
Please, is there anyway that a common person like myself can help you help these helpless children? We raise awareness for breast cancer and AIDS, but where is the grassroots effort to stop this sexual deviancy which destroys the next generation and warps future generations to come? My contact address is with CNN and CNN has my permission for you to contact me when the time is right to move your expose into a grassroots action. I am here in the queue ready to volunteer!
Brad McElya September 20th, 2009 1728 GMT I am currently living in India. Discrimination against the girl child is rampant. From female feticide to female infanticide to sex trafficking, millions of girls are discriminated against. We are starting an organization to address the discrimination against the girl child. Raising awareness about the millions of girls forced into sex trafficking is one of ways to help the cause.
Thank you for your efforts.The Rhema Project
Laura from Ireland September 20th, 2009 1734 GMT Hi Emma,Why, out of all the causes you could choose from to lend a helping hand to, did you choose this cause?
lobsang palden September 20th, 2009 2224 GMT Thank you for saving inocent women and children.god bless you and god bless earth..
Tina September 21st, 2009 212 GMT Dear Emma,Will images of the art be available online. As an artist who is passionate about the power of the arts to raise awareness and change thinking I am very interested in this project.peace be with you,Tina
Suzanne September 21st, 2009 350 GMT Thank you Emma,
Bring Hollywood along and Make a Big Movie and Make a Big Stink about this Horrific Horrific crime against humanity. God Bless You and your heart.
Leaders of the World need to pay attention to these things happening in their countries. Each and all should help……
take care from Suzanne in Canada
Anatole B September 21st, 2009 748 GMT Hello Emma ,
I wish to bring to your attention, the catastrophic situation regarding human trafficking in the meditterenean . Human trafickers crossing the Libyan dessert ,(alot of them die in the desert) , finally they make there trip to cross to southern Italy .Due to bad weather conditions , many of these don’t make it and they die at sea, others make it to nearby islands such as Malta or Lampedusa. This has been going on for too long now and the sadest part is that the EU failed to grip this situation and is not making enough to turn around this situation. In fact in the recent manifesto of Manueal Barroso , there was little mention about this , which is in the opinion of many a fiasco. After this Mr Barroso was lucky to retain his seat during last weeks EU elections .Ms Thompson , I wish you all the luck in your new venture and by the way ” Last chance Harvey ” was excellent … Very Good
Kim in Cape Town September 21st, 2009 818 GMT Dear Emma,
You are an inspiration — and I really admire the work you are doing to shed light on an issue that must be revealed. I am a journalist living in Cape Town, South Africa, and recently met and interviewed a Congolese man who, while trying to escape the brutalities of war in his home country, became a victim of human trafficking (as a displaced person without any money or a passport, who understood only French, he was incredibly vulnerable). He was making his way to South Africa for a better life, when he was unwittingly transported across the Zimbabwe-South Africa border by a group of gangsters posing as taxi drivers. It was only when he arrived in Musina just outside Johannesburg, that his driver and co-horts held him hostage for 5 days while his cousin travelled to Jo’burg to organise ransom money. Luckily he was released unharmed… I learned that the trade in humans is far more commonplace than I had once thought.
Thank you for your inspiration. Best wishes, Kim
Sabine September 21st, 2009 834 GMT Noble cause you are taking on Emma. I’m distraught when seeing/hearing how people can treat their fellow human beings. No respect for others. All that matters is money. We all know this is a worldwide problem, that powerful countries are supporting the practice. and that it will never entirely be eradiated. My question is, what do you do with your findings, what kind of actions are being taken, how supportive are the governments in helping fight this horrible mankind problem?Wish you the best and admire your courrage.Sabine
victoria -Belgium-Brussels September 21st, 2009 1151 GMT Oh my Darling Emma,
May God bless you, you are taking a very long jump on this issue, but are you sure those who are sitting in the corridors of power will listen to you ? haveing said that, do you actully think our politicians are ready to make a change, rather one would say they are the back bones of these trafickers. Besides, we must not forget those who are also petronising the trade as well as third-world-countries government who refuses to pay attention their citizens by do the right thing . Today, if a countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Liberia,Ghana etc decides to waste their youths due to greedies and mismanagements well it’s apity because a whole generations is being wipe out.. well take careGod bless you.
Bagheri September 22nd, 2009 939 GMT Given the fact that human organ trafficking is becoming a world-wide problem in which organs, and organ providers ( donors?) cross the international borders for organ tarnsplantation, it is an urgent issue to discuss it when working on human trafficking too.This is what we are trying to address in the Asian Task Force on Organ Trafficking.
Teresa Meyer-Hoye, Switzerland September 22nd, 2009 1439 GMT I sit here in my nice house, in my nice country and cannot even come close to imagining what these victims of human trafficking endure.What can “we the people” do to make a difference?
Kim in Cape Town September 22nd, 2009 1552 GMT Hi Bagheri, do you happen to know of a task force in southern Africa that does similiar work to the Asian Task Force on Organ Trafficking? Trade in organs in South Africa and neighbouring countries is an issue I would like to investigate for a potential feature article or documentary… Thank you, Kim
September 18, 2009
Emma Thompson is raising awareness about human trafficking. Thompson, who made her name in costume dramas such as “Brideshead Revisited” and “The Remains of the Day,” has spent the past 18 months exploring a much darker world: that of human trafficking.
Working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Thompson has created “Journey,” an art project that raises awareness about the issue by getting people to experience just a small part of the ordeals endured by those sucked into this illegal trade.
Thompson’s project draws together the work of several artists to highlight some of the horrors of human trafficking, primarily the cruel and violent sexual exploitation faced by tens of thousands of women.
Scenes from this underworld are recreated inside graffiti-daubed shipping containers, in a powerful art installation that has traveled through both Britain and the United States.
Send in your questions for Emma Thompson now and watch her reaction later this week.
Filed under: Connector of the day
BLOG REPLIES TO EMMA:
September 19th, 2009 930 GMT Little does the U.S. know it has human trafficking in a small city like Dublin, Georgia. Yet nothing is done by U.S. authorities, in regards to Vietnamese being trafficked by “fellow” Vietnamese. I wonder if Ms Thompson has ever faced similar situation – even in the USA?
Mark Bangsboll September 19th, 2009 937 GMT Even more horrific than your story of human trafficing is the kidnapping and selling of children for body parts. This has received little attention but is common in such countries as Afghanistan and Pakistan. The son of one of my Afghan officers was kidnapped along with 20 other young boys and taken to Pakistan where they were to be used to provide kidneys, livers etcs….He was fortunated enough to escape and tell the story…
Peter Illig September 19th, 2009 1047 GMT Dear Emma, We at Franciscans International, the worlds largest faith-based NGO with UN status and advocating on human rights, have been asked by our friend Ms Gulnara Shahinian, the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, to raise the profile of this issue. We very much would like you to co-chair a roundtable at our Geneva office with Ms. Shahinian. Thank you for your kind consideration, and kudos on your excellent work and leadership. Peter Illig, Development Director, FI-Geneva.
Alice Kang September 19th, 2009 1116 GMT Hello,
I am extremely interested in volunteering my services to help in human trafficking prevention and advocacy. Having lived in Asia and now London, I have seen how trafficking manifests itself in the tourism industry and in small, poor communities.
Do you have any suggestions on how one can get more involved? There seem to be many small, disparate organizations out there but it’s hard to tell which ones are effective or well sponsored. Any suggestions would be most welcome. I feel it’s a humanitarian issue that really needs more support and action.
Thanks,Alice
Lita Robey September 19th, 2009 1152 GMT I lived in Fort Worth, Texas and was so surprised when there was a raid of 7 houses in my neighborhood (middle to up class) historical area. One of these houses was right next door to me, 3 young girls from South America lived there, very quiet and I never really noticed anything unusual.
Japhet Ejueyitsi September 19th, 2009 1206 GMT hello Emma Thompson,i lie the work you rae doing, keep it up.i am writing from nigeria..nigeria to the best of my knowlegde is the wost country in the world in human trafficking.cheers
Hartmut Weiss September 19th, 2009 1236 GMT We are looking at assisting in the re-integration process of victims of human trafficking through establishing a high quality garment manufacturing business in South Africa. Initial employment would be 100 victims. Would the integration into a productive work process with support structures in place be an effective tool to restore the dignity and self-respect of victims? Would the ‘density’ of victims in one workplace be detrimental or supportive in the healing process? Thank you.
Hannah September 19th, 2009 1400 GMT I’ve been a fan for 20 years. Do you have any film projects in the works that could bring attention to human trafficking?
Ulla M. Brown September 19th, 2009 1412 GMT Hello,I am very interested in volunteering my services regarding Human Trafficking.I have lived all over the world, also in Asia and am now in London.I am passionate about HT, and like very much to get involved.Maybe I will hear from you, get a contact or …and go form there, thanks, Ulla B.
James Derrick September 19th, 2009 1509 GMT Thank you for standing up and raising awareness about human trafficking and the inherent horrors therein. To everyone: let us challenge ourselves to do even one thing for the good of humanity and to support the safety and well-being of others.
Marjolein September 19th, 2009 1518 GMT Hello Emma!
Thank you for shining a light on this horrible and cruel reality.I was wondering what exactly is being done to help the women and girls who were the victims of these traffickers in terms of continued support and guidance. Are their specialized shelters to protect them in their countries?
Thank you in advance for your answer!
MarjoleinSt.Germain-en-Laye, FRANCE
Kimberly September 19th, 2009 1622 GMT Alice,
There are several organizations you can connect with that are on the front lines of combatting human trafficking and modern day slavery. One in which I would strongly recommend is the International Justice Mission (www.ijm.org). They are based out of Washington, D.C. but have offices in London and across the globe. They are currently in a huge awareness campaign with the release of a 31 minute documentary on the issue called, “At the End of Slavery”. You can learn more at their site about this film and specific ways to get involved.
Kimberly
lou from paris September 19th, 2009 1716 GMT Dear Emma, i think it is very noble that you are pursuing this. Do you think your work has paid off? have you noticed a difference?
peter September 19th, 2009 1746 GMT Hello Emma, one is at loss for for words,in thanking you for bringing this deplorable practice of human trafficking by so called “human beings”.Mankind’s insensetivity, to other human beings suffering, is always astounding. The world is now over run with Hitler type mind sets.I would suggest that the world seriously finds a way, to technologicly chip every one of us, particularly the more vulnerable woman and children. Please keep up the good work Emma and all of us here look forward to a coordinated world wide movement and effort to eradicte this “INHUMANE PRACTICE”. Peter Mills
Rachel Wyatt September 19th, 2009 1817 GMT It seems the horrible purposes that the victims serve could be performed by anyone from a vulnerable background in any country. So, my question is, where is the need, or profit, in trafficking over such distances? What is the source of demand?Thanks for your time and effort with this project.
Kay Z September 19th, 2009 1820 GMT Emma,Thank you so much for your efforts to bring attention to the issue of human trafficking. I live in Istanbul, Turkey, and be interested to know what organizations are addressing this issue in the Middle East. I do believe when individuals and organizations network together a difference can be made!Kay Z
Doug September 19th, 2009 1837 GMT I wonder if you have explored the soft acceptance of human trafficking for prostitution and “entertainment” by some of the world’s largest economies. I witnessed this wholesale while stationed with the US military in S. Korea. While the official stance is condemnation, most major governments turn a blind eye.
Roel September 19th, 2009 1858 GMT Miss,
do you think it is best to attack the problem at the supply part (the greedy human traficckers that bring the modern-slaves half way across the worl to our doorstep) or do you think it is best to attack the demand part (the greedy rich people that want to have gardeners for 4$ an hour and house servants for 2$ + food) ?
Mordecai September 19th, 2009 2046 GMT It’s so sad to hear that the world has come to this! How am I able to volunteer my services to help stop these horrific crimes. I hope to hear from someone soon.
Take care,
Mordecai
guerro September 19th, 2009 2148 GMT How might I contact Emma concerning a film about this topic, and a real concern about a young celebrity?
http://www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
Karen A September 20th, 2009 303 GMT Hi Emma,
Is there something that the average person could do to help in this crusade or is awareness of the situation the focus at this point?
Gaurav Karunakar September 20th, 2009 337 GMT Dear Emma,
India is one of the places where human trafficking is at its worst. Fair skinned girls from the North-east are the main targets. They are sold by their families or are lured by promises of job, etc and find themselves in the brothels of Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and even Chennai. Sometimes the police are in collution with these traffickers. Politicians also are believed to be involved. I request you to send one o two reporters to India to go deep into the matter.
Gaurav
David Walker September 20th, 2009 513 GMT Taking up Rachel Wyatt’s point, as ever, more funding for grassroots education of poor women and girls in these countries can help protect them. Poor girls in the USA are likely to know where to turn for help. Also continuing support for locally based grassroots self-help projects by women for women. And I’m sure more can be done, even by individual tourists and the CNN to offset the prevailing image in many countries of the developed world as one in which the streets are paved with gold and everyone is rich. So, perhaps simpler lifestyles for some celebrities and tourists alike, and try more to meet people, not just see the sights, it’s fun. Perhaps also we could do with a Slumdog Millionaire for the West.
It is wonderful to see celebrities like Emma doing what they are doing.Long may it continue.
Amy September 20th, 2009 533 GMT This is news? There is no information about what Miss Thompson has researched or learned about this terrible issue. You have a pretty picture of her face posted and virtually no details.How is she going to get her message out like this????
victor September 20th, 2009 752 GMT Congratulations Ms. Thompson for a job well done. We the little people need your voice in striking down human trafficking in the modern world.Where ver one is in this world, greed still plays a factor in life.
jimmy September 20th, 2009 803 GMT If you really want to DO something to stop this you would do something extreme and drastic to get attention — ie, quit making movies and such and spend 60, 70 hours a week on this. Most of the world could only dream of an opportunity to make such a difference. You don’t need to work at a paying job anymore; and if you say that staying high-profile will make 10 hours of your work in this area multiply to 10 times that, simply because you get headlines, I call BS. Go out and really do something. I know a few people in the US who have sold people down in Mexico. Hell, I have sold a few myself, when a man or woman came over for a hit of heroin and passed out on my floor. I feel like I might as well get a kidney out of it, for my trouble. I really do. They are “normal” people with mortgages and good jobs. And what you are doing doesn’t do shit about the relatively low-key, less talked about and less known one, two or three off type situations like the ones I am familiar with. I want to cut your feet off and make cow hoof soup.
hill roberts September 20th, 2009 912 GMT Hello Emma,Greetings from Spain.Thank you for your involvement in this important issue that has the world spinning on its head. Indeed, the crux of the problem lies in the greed and corruption of those countries playing hide and seek and turning a blind eye. Here in Spain, there are now too many Africans from Senegal, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Ghana living in inhumane conditions and some die during the terrible ordeal they go through just crossing thousands of miles on foot from Libya.The people who are trafficked, called “wetbacks” because majority of them cross seas and sometimes never get the chance to reach the shores…sad that these traffickers have not been thoroughly investigated and arrested. Could it be that they are actually supported by those governments who couldn’t care less about their citizens? These guys should be caught, put on trial, thrown in prison. Human trafficking is modern-day holocaust. The UN must try harder to stop this dreaded perennial problem.
Catherine September 20th, 2009 1045 GMT Dear Emma,Thank you for giving your energy to this burning cause. Very little, too little is being done. Please continue.Catherine
Tom September 20th, 2009 1049 GMT Emma, I have been in the U.S. Navy for almost 30 years and have traveled to many places other westerners will never see. I have seen young women killed becuase they would not please their middle eastern or western customer to the satisfaction of the customer or would refuse to go with a customer.
The only thing I have seen in my time is the laws of the U.S. against human trafficking that have followed us overseas. We prosecute americans for this…however as the other military guy above stated, other countries turn a blind eye to HT. The only way to stop human trafficking is to get rid of demand and that will not happen until every country on this planet stands up collectively against it. Supply is there because of the demand. I have seen it in many countries and I still see it… It is only gettin worse. I could give you many exact locations to look with exact details. Tom
Erik September 20th, 2009 1218 GMT For anybody actually interested in the truth about this subject, I highly recommend “Sex at the Margins” by Laura María Agustín.
http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/reviewofbooks_article/5027/
Adam September 20th, 2009 1240 GMT How much of this modern day slave trade is organized by mafia or snakeheads? How much is unorganized, one-man or family operations?
Kathy in the Middle East September 20th, 2009 1257 GMT I thought I was a fan of yours BEFORE this article, Ms. Thompson, but I am a fervent, die-hard fan NOW.
The U.N. esimates that India alone has 65 million children as slaves — over half of them in the sex trade. But as other writers have commented, it’s happening next door in the U.S. as well.
THANK YOU for raising our awareness. Carry on…..
Sebasten Raffal September 20th, 2009 1505 GMT I’m very impressed by your serious work that too by such a wonderful actress. Keep up the good work and keep us all posted.
Steve September 20th, 2009 1549 GMT Child slavery in the garment industry. Every time you buy a garment made in China or India, even famous name brands, you are running a risk of that garment having been produced by a child slave.
We can all do our part and be more responsible consumers and choose products more carefully. Boycott products you know to have been made at the cost of human slavery.
Desiree Abraham September 20th, 2009 1626 GMT Dear Miss Thompson,
I sincerely and enthusiastically applaud your efforts to bring this unbelievably heinous practice to the forefront of mainstream public. When exposing this seedy underworld, I am sure you understand that you may pay a price for there are forces which do not want the profits or pleasures to stop.
Please, is there anyway that a common person like myself can help you help these helpless children? We raise awareness for breast cancer and AIDS, but where is the grassroots effort to stop this sexual deviancy which destroys the next generation and warps future generations to come? My contact address is with CNN and CNN has my permission for you to contact me when the time is right to move your expose into a grassroots action. I am here in the queue ready to volunteer!
Brad McElya September 20th, 2009 1728 GMT I am currently living in India. Discrimination against the girl child is rampant. From female feticide to female infanticide to sex trafficking, millions of girls are discriminated against. We are starting an organization to address the discrimination against the girl child. Raising awareness about the millions of girls forced into sex trafficking is one of ways to help the cause.
Thank you for your efforts.The Rhema Project
Laura from Ireland September 20th, 2009 1734 GMT Hi Emma,Why, out of all the causes you could choose from to lend a helping hand to, did you choose this cause?
lobsang palden September 20th, 2009 2224 GMT Thank you for saving inocent women and children.god bless you and god bless earth..
Tina September 21st, 2009 212 GMT Dear Emma,Will images of the art be available online. As an artist who is passionate about the power of the arts to raise awareness and change thinking I am very interested in this project.peace be with you,Tina
Suzanne September 21st, 2009 350 GMT Thank you Emma,
Bring Hollywood along and Make a Big Movie and Make a Big Stink about this Horrific Horrific crime against humanity. God Bless You and your heart.
Leaders of the World need to pay attention to these things happening in their countries. Each and all should help……
take care from Suzanne in Canada
Anatole B September 21st, 2009 748 GMT Hello Emma ,
I wish to bring to your attention, the catastrophic situation regarding human trafficking in the meditterenean . Human trafickers crossing the Libyan dessert ,(alot of them die in the desert) , finally they make there trip to cross to southern Italy .Due to bad weather conditions , many of these don’t make it and they die at sea, others make it to nearby islands such as Malta or Lampedusa. This has been going on for too long now and the sadest part is that the EU failed to grip this situation and is not making enough to turn around this situation. In fact in the recent manifesto of Manueal Barroso , there was little mention about this , which is in the opinion of many a fiasco. After this Mr Barroso was lucky to retain his seat during last weeks EU elections .Ms Thompson , I wish you all the luck in your new venture and by the way ” Last chance Harvey ” was excellent … Very Good
Kim in Cape Town September 21st, 2009 818 GMT Dear Emma,
You are an inspiration — and I really admire the work you are doing to shed light on an issue that must be revealed. I am a journalist living in Cape Town, South Africa, and recently met and interviewed a Congolese man who, while trying to escape the brutalities of war in his home country, became a victim of human trafficking (as a displaced person without any money or a passport, who understood only French, he was incredibly vulnerable). He was making his way to South Africa for a better life, when he was unwittingly transported across the Zimbabwe-South Africa border by a group of gangsters posing as taxi drivers. It was only when he arrived in Musina just outside Johannesburg, that his driver and co-horts held him hostage for 5 days while his cousin travelled to Jo’burg to organise ransom money. Luckily he was released unharmed… I learned that the trade in humans is far more commonplace than I had once thought.
Thank you for your inspiration. Best wishes, Kim
Sabine September 21st, 2009 834 GMT Noble cause you are taking on Emma. I’m distraught when seeing/hearing how people can treat their fellow human beings. No respect for others. All that matters is money. We all know this is a worldwide problem, that powerful countries are supporting the practice. and that it will never entirely be eradiated. My question is, what do you do with your findings, what kind of actions are being taken, how supportive are the governments in helping fight this horrible mankind problem?Wish you the best and admire your courrage.Sabine
victoria -Belgium-Brussels September 21st, 2009 1151 GMT Oh my Darling Emma,
May God bless you, you are taking a very long jump on this issue, but are you sure those who are sitting in the corridors of power will listen to you ? haveing said that, do you actully think our politicians are ready to make a change, rather one would say they are the back bones of these trafickers. Besides, we must not forget those who are also petronising the trade as well as third-world-countries government who refuses to pay attention their citizens by do the right thing . Today, if a countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Liberia,Ghana etc decides to waste their youths due to greedies and mismanagements well it’s apity because a whole generations is being wipe out.. well take careGod bless you.
Bagheri September 22nd, 2009 939 GMT Given the fact that human organ trafficking is becoming a world-wide problem in which organs, and organ providers ( donors?) cross the international borders for organ tarnsplantation, it is an urgent issue to discuss it when working on human trafficking too.This is what we are trying to address in the Asian Task Force on Organ Trafficking.
Teresa Meyer-Hoye, Switzerland September 22nd, 2009 1439 GMT I sit here in my nice house, in my nice country and cannot even come close to imagining what these victims of human trafficking endure.What can “we the people” do to make a difference?
Kim in Cape Town September 22nd, 2009 1552 GMT Hi Bagheri, do you happen to know of a task force in southern Africa that does similiar work to the Asian Task Force on Organ Trafficking? Trade in organs in South Africa and neighbouring countries is an issue I would like to investigate for a potential feature article or documentary… Thank you, Kim