Editorial: Let’s put an end to human trafficking

The world can be a dangerous place, especially with the outbreak of the Coronavirus and the dangers that it brings. However, let us address what I feel is a topic that is swept under the rug at times, and that is human trafficking.

The trafficking of humans is a billionaire business worldwide annual. The world cannot seem to get a hold of it. It can include anyone from men to women. The statistics can be muddy as many critics try to argue what it is and what it is not. Human trafficking involves force, fraud, and coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act according to the definition provided by the United States Homeland Security. Human trafficking does not discriminate.

Predators are using the internet to get children and teens into dangerous sex trafficking rings that can result in forced labor or worse. People are becoming desperate for jobs and answering ads that are not legitimate. The exploitation of region with the creation of fake religious groups that ask for you to come out of town with them to an undisclosed location is also a danger. I have personally seen women outside of stores advocating for others to join their church, claiming they have been freed from drugs and alcohol. But the trained eye can see that their last hit was within the last days.

We need to be aware of human trafficking signs that include physical injuries, abuse, lack of social interaction, and lack of eye contact. A person being enslaved can appear to be coached on what to say and what not to say. These are just a few signs.

We as humans must ask ourselves why it is that we live in such an evil world that continues to take advantage of the most vulnerable. We need to put our foot down and end this dirty word of human trafficking. The slave trade was the most known horrible trade of African Americans. Now, technology and intimidation make it easier for human trafficking to occur.

We must get tough on our politicians. Come election season, this should be a top priority to end these human right violations. We should not have to fear our loved ones taking a mode of transportation with a driver and have the thought that they may never return home. We must come together in our communities to end it as soon as possible. We, as humans, are not slaves. We are equals and that should never be in question.

Let us no longer stand for the trafficking of human beings. Law enforcement from the highest level need to put a stop to this. Stop the pain. Stop the hurt.