Trafficking Globally
Human trafficking happens in every country, and can happen to anyone no matter what race they are or culture they come from. It not only happens within country boarders, but also from country to country. There are plenty of organizations out there trying to end human trafficking, but sadly, the issue is delt with differently in various countries. As you read about the two below, it might be surprising how human trafficking is seen in the eyes of different governments and cultures.
Trafficking in the United States
Many people , especially american citizens, believe that human trafficking and sex slavery isn't happening in the U.S. Given the United States history with slavery and the oppression of people based on their ethnic background, it might be had to believe that people would take part in egging on such a tragic practice, but they do. It is estimated that "...14 to 17,000 foreign nationals are brought into the US each year" as human trafficking victims and that "...100 to 300,000 American children are prostituted or at risk of commercial sexual exploitation within the U.S. each year, and the average age of entry is 13 years old" (Golden, Hewat). That is just in the country- its also estimated that 83% of human trafficking victims are US citizens, which isn't surprising considering the reality that many traffickers prey on American children and adults, especially those who are homeless or poor (in relation to the country's economic struggles and increasing unemployment rate). Also, traffickers in other countries use the promise of helping victims go abroad (mainly America) for job opportunities as a tactic to lure their victims.
Trafficking in Asia: Cambodia
Asia, specifically Cambodia has been on the radar since President Obama's visit to Asia late last year and some points on human trafficking that he touched on in his speech about it. Cambodia is known to many people who have knowledge about human trafficking as a "...sex slavery state..." ("Cambodia Where Sex Traffickers "). In Cambodia, men, women and children are trafficked within the country and to neighboring countries as sex slaves or labor workers ("Cambodia"). Not only that, but the Cambodian government is known to not comply with international laws on human trafficking, and has turned a blind eye to many cases in which they should have taken action against such injustice. In some cases, it is found that police officials in Cambodia will ignore orders for investigations into brothels that might be holding women against their will because they were payed off with a bribe ("Sex Slaves? "). Certain parts of the police departments in Cambodia are known to be corrupt, and it goes as far as police officers themsevles running their own trafficking chain ( "Sex Slaves? ").