Hidden human tragedy

Joseph is now 30. He lived in an African country where his family was politically active and vigorously pursued by the regime in power. Although he was educated and once played soccer for the national team, he was forced to flee for his life, leaving his wife and children behind.

Joseph accepted a job through a recruiter to work in the United States in a carnival. The work was hard and Joseph was rarely paid, his documents were confiscated and when he complained he received worse treatment and threats that he would be harmed or killed.

This is just one story out of countless others involving human slavery and human trafficking provided by ALERT (Arizona League to End Regional Trafficking).

What is human trafficking?

The most basic definition explains human trafficking as the movement of people. Where does human trafficking happen? Despite misconceptions that human trafficking only happens in parts of Asia, human trafficking happens all over the world. People may not be taken in every country but they are trafficked and sold in every country.

 Who gets trafficked?

 People who are vulnerable and have very few options are the likely victims of human trafficking.

What happens once they are sold into slavery?

 It’s diverse, but the similarities are that they are tricked into these situations or taken in against their will. They’re coerced through violence with no pay for what they are doing.

How do they get trafficked?

 People get trafficked in many different ways. It can be on foot if moving from one city to another. People are moved through cars and boats and are even moved on planes internationally. When traffickers move their slaves internationally, they provide all pieces of paperwork and documentation needed to get the victim abroad the transportation and remain under the radar.

Who is the trafficker and why would they choose to do this?

Traffickers could be anyone. Traffickers are often people who are employed by an official organization or a ring of traffickers. What are the laws regarding human trafficking? Every country has a law against slavery and human trafficking. Laws in the U.S. have been repeatedly updated and renewed since 2000.