The definition of human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Kevin Bales, author and founder of Free the Slaves, clarified the definition further when he spoke at a TED conference last year. He stated, "this is about people who cannot walk away, people who are forced to work without pay, people who are operating 24/7 under a threat of violence, and cannot walk away".
People are being forced to work in agricultural fields, mines and forests to keep up with consumer demand for coffee, clothing and electronic components. Issues, like deforestation and its environmental impact to the planet, are getting more media attention than the people who are being trafficked there to cut down the trees. When businesses address issues, such as pesticides, water use and soil health - they tend to improve the labor standards and the living conditions for their workers, yet the importance of prioritizing people over planet cannot be emphasized enough.
Forced labor and sexual exploitation exist in every country, and it is time to advocate for the people. Please join Oregonians Against Trafficking Humans (OATH) at the Portland Better Living Show this weekend, March 25-27th, to learn about practical ways you can help end it.
More about forced labor:
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
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