Human Trafficking Still a Major Social Issue Today -- Vision.org

Children in War, Human Trafficking and Other Human Rights Violations Are Skyrocketing

• Press Release
• Source: Vision Media
• On 3:03 am EST, Wednesday December 3, 2008

PASADENA, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Dec 3, 2008 -- In a special report series titled "Enslaved," Vision.org discusses "Child Soldiers," the latest article in this extensive series that highlights one of the world's most serious social issues today, human trafficking and human rights violations. One of the most important social issues facing governments today is that of human rights violations. Among the worst of these is the growing problem of human trafficking -- placing human beings into slavery. A priority in combating human trafficking is the focus on abolishing the use of children in war.

social issues children in war ...

The United Nations has designated December 2 annually as The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, and according to former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, this means slavery in all of its forms. Unfortunately, despite all efforts to the contrary, human exploitation shows no sign of abating. Still most vulnerable to trafficking are women and children who may find themselves abducted from their families or even sold by them into slavery not only as prostitutes, but also as laborers or even soldiers.

In the series "Enslaved," Vision presents a collection of articles covering the important social issues of human rights violations, human trafficking, children and war.

In all too many conflicts, the definition of a soldier is anyone, male or female, who is old enough to hold a gun. In many war-ravaged countries, if children cannot be enticed to fight they are often abducted and forced to do so.

In her article, "Child Soldiers," Vision author Michelle Steel writes, "When you think of war, what images come to mind? Perhaps you see rows of uniformed soldiers marching in step, or tanks and armored vehicles traveling in convoy... or precision bombings over Iraq. The reality, however, is that the majority of wars today are intrastate conflicts fought with small arms. And... wherever such conflicts take place many of those fighting are children."

Steel also interviews Michael Wessells, senior advisor on child protection for Christian Children's Fund, who has dedicated his life to transitioning child soldiers away into peaceful, age-appropriate civilian roles. Wessells's book "Child Soldiers: From Violence to Protection" (2006) urges the public not to view these children as damaged goods but as potential contributors to society and culture.

Also in this collection, Vision.org writer Bill Butler tells the story of 23-year-old Beatrice Fernando in "Down to Slavery." Fernando was enslaved in Lebanon and her story exemplifies the many faces of human trafficking and the economics of slavery. Butler also interviews Dr. Kevin Bales, author of "Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy" which is a recognized manual on the subject. Bales is considered the world's leading expert on contemporary slavery and president of Free the Slaves in Washington, D.C.

Vision's special report exposes the cruelty of human bondage which includes the trafficking of human beings and the exploitation of children in war.

About Vision:

Vision.org is an online magazine with quarterly print issues that feature in-depth coverage of current social issues, religion and the Bible, history, family relationship topics and insights into philosophical, moral and ethical issues in society today. For a free subscription to the Vision quarterly magazine, visit their web site at http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/default.aspx

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