We live in a complex and ever-changing world today – full of contradiction and inconsistency. On the one hand we talk in glowing terms of freedom, democracy and upholding human rights and yet we often turn a blind eye to the stark truth, that hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children are exploited, abused, and enslaved by cruel and unscrupulous human traffickers. This is akin to modern day slavery and is both inexcusable and morally unacceptable.
Human trafficking is one of the most urgent human rights issues that we need to bring out of the closet today. According to statistics compiled by non-governmental organizations, nearly 900,000 people are trafficked every year from various countries across the globe. Powerless, desperate and vulnerable people, including very young children are tricked and sold into bondage and are condemned to lead tragic and helpless lives as prostitutes, child soldiers or forced labour.
In a curious way, it is within the very global nature of this crime that we must look for solutions. It is imperative that governments, social organizations, business houses and indeed every citizen of every country join hands to strengthen international justice systems and wage war on this heinous crime on humanity.