Human Trafficking: Linking to Resources and Best Practices
As an SCN Family who continues to educate ourselves and others on the issue of human trafficking, it is imperative to network and collaborate with others. While this occurs most often when confronted with a situation of human trafficking, it is essential as individuals who have made a corporate stand on human trafficking to know where good resources exist. While there are many as indicated in this list, a few are highlighted below.
A website entitled, Free the Slaves located at www.freetheslaves.netcontains many practical resources including an interactive slavery map, useful downloads, success stories, films, videos and book suggestions. While international in its scope of stories and information, most advocacy is focused on the United States.
A second website, United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking is located at http://www.ungift.org/ This site is mostly informative with its highlights of conventions and protocols, publications, and best practices.
The last website is the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime located atwww.unodc.org Along the left margin are the words, “Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling.” Clicking on these words will relocate you to a web page emphasizing the work the United Nations has done to prevent human trafficking including toolkits, manuals and the Blue Heart Campaign website.
With regard to audio-visual materials in the form of DVD’s, there are three located in the SCN Media Center on Nazareth campus. These include:
- Lives for Sale—A documentary on immigration and human trafficking and why immigrants are willing to risk everything for the American Dream
- Losing Maria – A story of a young woman who has been trafficked, geared toward high school students with preview recommended. Includes facilitator guide
- The Jammed – A story of trafficking of adults made in Australia. (A copy of this is also available in the Eastern Province)
Reflection/Action: “... We commit to educate ourselves and others about the inherent violence involved in the buying, selling, and transporting of human beings ..." (SCN Corpate Stand Opposing Human Trafficking)
How have I made efforts to educate myself and others with regard to human trafficking? What steps do I plan to take if confronted with a potential situation of human trafficking? What other resources, especially those at the local level, do you have/know of that you would be willing to share with others through the Office of Global Ministries?
U.S. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act
In late June, The Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2010 (H.R. 5575 / S.2925) was introduced in the House. This bipartisan bill is currently in need of co-sponsors. According to Catholic Charities this legislation “would create up to 6 grants of $2 million to $2.5 million with the goal to prevent the sex trafficking of minors, treat child victims of human trafficking and prosecute offenders. The grants could be used for a variety of activities with at least 50 percent going to services and shelter for victims.”
Action: In keeping with our corporate stand against human trafficking that advocates for policies and programs that prevent human trafficking, members of the SCN Family are invited to contact U.S. Senators and Representatives (202.224.3121) urging them to co-sponsor and support this legislation.
International Day of the World's Indigenous People August 9
In September 2007, the United Nations adopted a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. At the time, four countries voted against the declaration and eleven countries abstained. Those countries opposing included Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Since 2007, Australia and New Zealand have reversed their decision and now support the declaration. In March 2010, Canada made the announcement that it will endorse the declaration. The United States stated in April 2010 that it will review its position. On this day, it is appropriate to pause and reflect upon those indigenous in our own countries, states, and locales.
- What gifts are present within the indigenous and what resources do they possess that will carry them into the future?
- In what ways have the indigenous in my country/state been oppressed, exploited and discriminated against?
- What recent actions have I taken to promote solidarity with the indigenous people?
Energy Legislation Update
Last year the U.S. House passed a comprehensive climate-energy bill. As the Senate nears the August recess, it is highly unlikely that such a bill will be produced in the Senate. Gone are renewable energy and carbon cap-and-trade provisions. It appears that the bill supports some aspects of the oil spill and land conservation. According to Kevin Book, an energy analyst with ClearView Energy Partners, the bill apparently includes:- “An oil spill liability cap for oil companies up to $10 billion from $75 million currently
- A $5 billion home energy efficiency incentives package to encourage retrofits called HomeStar
- Natural gas vehicle incentives of about $4.1 billion
- Expanded land and water conservation”
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