Blogger #5: Spring Break

PART 1:

Subject :Human Trafficking

HUMAN TRAFFICKING UNDER THE VEIL OF SEX TOURISM IN THAILAND - REACTIONS OF THE EU

Guguc, Zrinka, PhD, Pravani Vjesnik

2014

Link:  http://lib-ezproxy.lbcc.edu:2093/docview/1563695400/fulltext/A31522543360464BPQ/21?accountid=39846

Human trafficking is far more complex than just sexual exploitation as people always seem to assume. Human trafficking for many is seen as a source of income or a step closer to a better life. It currently is at an all time high in Thailand whether one is being forced into it or willingly doing it. Since people who live in Thailand suffer economically they see this as a way to having a better life, and they see it as anything is better than poverty and having no food. Many kids are actually sold by their own parents as an exchange for income. Many of the women or kids that are being trafficked come from places all over the countries like Southeast Asia, Europe, Japan, and South Africa. The world of human trafficking continues to increase because many of the tourists who come in are the ones keeping the business running. About 60% of tourists who come into Thailand are men and out of those men 70% come looking for sex that is why the sex industry continues despite all the laws against them. The people being trafficked do not know the difference of what is right or wrong due to not being educated. 

The author is mainly implying that people think its easy to ban human trafficking but they are forgetting that many of the people who participate are uneducated, live in poverty, and do not know the definition of a good life. The only way to put a stop to this is by educating the people being captured because often when rescued they feel like they have lost everything they have worked for and they are praying that their “pimps” will come to their rescue. They think of it as a punishment because they are being stripped from income, food, and possibly a chance to one day have a “better life.” The author also is suggesting that aside from being educated the organizations need to come up with strategies to offer those in need of money jobs that will provide them a “decent life.”Also being stressed is the importance of putting a stop to human trafficking due to the high rates of sexually transmitted diseases that are spreading amongst humans being trafficked whether they are young or old.

PART 2:

Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST)

Cast is a not-for-profit organization, it was established in 1998.

Founder: Dr. Kathryn McMahon

Located in Los Angeles

CAST is an organization that provides long term services for victims of trafficking with their annual budget of $2.5 million a year. CAST was created in 1998 and its main goal was to provide intensive case management, and advocacy for survivors healing from violence that occurred during slavery. CAST works with Saban Free Clinic in Los Angeles to address mental and health needs of the victims being trafficked. CAST was the first to exclusively serve survivors from human trafficking and modern day slavery. Their mission is to end Human trafficking and help as many survivors with the help of other organizations.

They offer non-paid internships and it seems that anyone is able to apply for jobs at CAST if interested.