The Way I See It - Be Thankful
Permalink +Wed, Dec 23, 2009, 7:00 am // Ham Hayes
To add a comment, login or register.
Young Cambodian girls at Angkor WatFuture Trafficking Victims?
Photo: Ham Hayes
According to the most recent U.S. State Department Report on Trafficking in Persons (2008), the United Nations “estimates that there are 12.3 million people in forced labor, bonded labor, forced child labor, and sexual servitude at any given time; other estimates range from 4 million to 27 million.” Other research cited in the report gives the number of persons transported across national borders at 800,000 (2006). “Approximately 80 percent of transnational victims are women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. The majority of transnational victims are females trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation. These numbers do not include millions of female and male victims around the world who are trafficked within their own national borders—the majority for forced or bonded labor.”
The inherent problem is that trafficking is very lucrative. The International Labor Organization places the profits from sex trafficking alone at $218 billion a year. Families, such as those in Cambodia, may subsist on less than $1 per day per person, which places tremendous pressure on some families to sell their daughters. Not all do of course, but until recent years, Cambodia had one of the largest sex-tourism trades in the world. In other situations, families and the victims themselves have been deceived into thinking their children were going to be working in legitimate businesses, only to find they have been sold into slavery.
Many countries don’t have adequate laws or control to fight slavery. In numerous cases, the authorities are corrupt and part of the problem. The U.S. lists only 29 countries that comply with the Traffic Victims Protection Act. The Act defines criteria for whether countries are taking sufficient action to eliminate human trafficking. Another 70 countries don’t meet the minimum standards, but are improving. The remaining 55 countries are either doing nothing or are in danger of moving backward. So if you thought slavery had ended, it hasn’t. It is widespread. The countries with no effort to comply with the Traffic Victims Protection Act are : ALGERIA, BURMA,CUBA, FIJI, IRAN, KUWAIT, MOLDOVA, NORTH KOREA, OMAN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, QATAR, SAUDI ARABIA, SUDAN, and SYRIA.
Kristof and WuDunn call us to action. Some good news is that some countries are increasingly arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators. But pressure needs to be kept on those countries (as well as our own) in that regard. Although necessary, legal pursuit after a crime often seems to push the problem around but never get rid of it. Some alternative and supplemental approaches are needed. These approaches include improving education and providing micro-financing. Reportedly, these methods seem to work well in a number of countries. I’m familiar with providing schools in Cambodia. There, the average male receives about 2.7 years of education. The average female receives 1.7 years. Non-governmental organizations such as Bernie Krisher’s American Assistance for Cambodia works with the Cambodian government and definitely helps. Donors working through AAfC have built over 500 schools in Cambodia since 1999. The effect is to “raise the value” of the person, especially girls, in the eyes of the family and community. This makes it less likely the girls will be sold. Greg Mortenson’s efforts to build schools in Pakistan are another example (see his book, “Three Cups of Tea.”) Krisher’s organization will also give families a $10/month stipend if their daughters achieve perfect attendance in school. The benefits are amazing.
Success doesn’t necessarily come easily to these efforts. The challenges require persistence, kindness and grace. Kristof and WuDunn quote a Hawaiian parable from Naka Nathaniel, a New York Times videographer that is apt:
‘A man goes out on the beach and sees that it is covered with starfish that have washed up in the tide. A little boy is walking along, picking them up and throwing them back in to the water. “What are you doing, son?” the man asks. “You see how many starfish there are? You’ll never make a difference.” The boy paused thoughtfully, and picked up another starfish and threw in into the ocean. “It sure made a difference to that one,” he said.’
Perhaps Kristof and WuDunn have identified a gift worth giving. I think so. Be thankful for their voices.
Related Links:
-> Half the Sky-> Dept of State - Trafficking in Persons Report 2008
-> American Assistance for Cambodia
The Way I See It - Mud resurrected
Wed, Jul 28, 2010, 4:39 am // Ham Hayes
It is time we gave “mud” back its good name.
0 comments
The Way I See It - En Garde
Wed, Jul 21, 2010, 4:42 am // Ham Hayes
“We have lots of robberies.” As I reported last week, that was the apocalyptic statement by the investigating officer to our recent plight in St.…0 comments
Greed: The Shadowy So-called Non-profit Taecan
Mon, Jul 19, 2010, 11:53 am // Tip Johnson
For-Profit Non-Profits - Pulling the Plug on Services0 comments
The Forsaken Constituents of Lummi Island
Mon, Jul 19, 2010, 11:20 am // Tip Johnson
Taxation without representation3 comments; last on Jul 28, 2010
Libraries are still very valuable
Fri, Jul 16, 2010, 8:18 pm // John Servais
The New Spice Man tells us why libraries are useful and valuable. This applies to all libraries.0 comments
Three Port Executive Finalists Withdraw
Fri, Jul 16, 2010, 1:30 pm // John Servais
In a surprise development, the Port of Bellingham is starting over again in their search for an executive director. Position now vacant for over a…1 comments; last on Jul 18, 2010
Book Review: Whole Earth Discipline
Fri, Jul 16, 2010, 4:44 am // Guest writer
Eric Hirst reviews this October 2009 book by Stewart Brand of Whole Earth Catalog fame. Stewart is critical of several mainstream environmental stances.
1 comments; last on Jul 19, 2010
The Way I See It - From Russia with Love
Wed, Jul 14, 2010, 5:17 pm // Ham Hayes
Ham's final post on his travel comments from Russia.
0 comments
Climate and transparent process
Wed, Jul 14, 2010, 11:52 am // John Servais
The Atlantic Monthly has an article on Climate gate that every Enviro true believer should read. Some healthy skepticism is very needed.1 comments; last on Jul 17, 2010
Oil Spill - What is not reported
Mon, Jun 28, 2010, 1:17 pm // John Servais
BP oil spill video taken on a private plane flight over the Gulf of Mexico. The spill is worse than our media are telling us.
0 comments
Never Enough? Enough is Enough!
Mon, Jun 21, 2010, 4:40 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein the absurdity of the Lummi Blockade is explored in yet more excrutiating detail1 comments; last on Jun 22, 2010
Please sign the anti-whaling petition
Thu, Jun 17, 2010, 11:31 pm // John Servais
Let's help get one million signatures on the anti-whaling petition.1 comments; last on Jun 20, 2010
The Way I See It - Heart and Gut
Wed, Jun 16, 2010, 4:56 am // Ham Hayes
Our society is out of its mind. Well, maybe not quite completely, but it needs to be.0 comments
Public support saves Fairhaven Library
Tue, Jun 15, 2010, 11:36 pm // John Servais
Library Trustees reversed themselves from last week and spared closing the Fairhaven library.
6 comments; last on Jun 17, 2010
DOWNWARD BOUND - with Hippie Jim
Mon, Jun 14, 2010, 11:34 am // Kamalla Rose Kaur
Wherein Hippie Jim addresses a growing need in our modern age
0 comments
How to close a library
Mon, Jun 14, 2010, 4:44 am // John Servais
Yes, the city powers have decided to close the Fairhaven Library. Only strong citizen objections can change it.0 comments
Apparently You Can Always Get What You Want
Fri, Jun 11, 2010, 3:08 pm // Guest writer
Marilyn Olsen is today's guest writer. She submitted this the day after the Library Board meeting.0 comments
The Way I See It - A long way to go
Wed, Jun 09, 2010, 8:35 pm // Ham Hayes
Success often comes in small steps spread over time. A recent article from the local Seattle office of the FBI underscores one of those moments,…0 comments
Barry Buchanan running for Mayor
Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 9:45 pm // John Servais
Barry Buchanan, city council representative from Bellingham's Third Ward, has filed papers to run for Mayor.0 comments
The Dumbest Meeting Ever
Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 9:31 pm // Tip Johnson
I mean, come on!3 comments; last on Jun 09, 2010
Fairhaven Library to be Closed
Tue, Jun 08, 2010, 12:13 pm // John Servais
Bellingham Library Board of Trustees decided today to close the library for cost cutting reasons. Branches are low priority. Formal vote next week.
2 comments; last on Jun 08, 2010
The Way I See It – The Return of the Grail: Seek Truth. Speak It.
Wed, Jun 02, 2010, 4:22 am // Ham Hayes
The unfolding story through time and space in France
3 comments; last on May 19, 2010
Shame on Israel
Mon, May 31, 2010, 7:43 pm // John Servais
Israel is becoming a rogue state. It is showing a disdain for International law and world opinion.13 comments; last on Jun 03, 2010
From a Political Junkie: That Anti-Incumbent Feeling
Mon, May 24, 2010, 4:34 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley Sweeney examines the primaries in PA, KY and AR and what it means for 2010.6 comments; last on May 25, 2010
Re-Legalize Cannabis and End an Un-American Prohibition
Sun, May 23, 2010, 11:37 am // Guest writer
David Camp writes on Prohibition and the American Way3 comments; last on May 28, 2010
An Affair to Remember
Mon, May 17, 2010, 3:42 pm // Guest writer
Sharon Crozier attended a meeting with Congressman Rick Larsen.2 comments; last on May 20, 2010
From a Political Junkie: Marriage, Values and Culture
Mon, May 17, 2010, 4:55 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley Sweeney discusses the discomfort of religious and cultural differences among friends
1 comments; last on May 17, 2010
From a Political Junkie: The Golden Age of Radio
Mon, May 10, 2010, 4:44 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley Sweeney asks for plot ideas for a local radio drama
0 comments
The Story Of My Life
Sun, May 09, 2010, 1:58 pm // Kamalla Rose Kaur
Kamalla's connection with other Northwest news
0 comments
Craig Mayberry Announces Candidacy for the 42nd District State House, Position 1
Wed, May 05, 2010, 9:34 am // Craig Mayberry
Craig Mayberry announces he is running for the State Legislature.2 comments; last on May 06, 2010
The Way I See It - Flights of Fancy
Wed, May 05, 2010, 4:24 am // Ham Hayes
Ham is preparing for another fun filled trip by air.1 comments; last on May 05, 2010
New
Post-Oklahoman ConfessionsThe Onion
WikiLeaks.org
Current Interest
Bham Politics & Economics
Local
Bellingham HeraldBham Politics & Economics
Bob Sanders
Carl Weimer
Cascadia Weekly
Ferndale R-J
Foothills Gazette
John Watts
KGMI
Latte Republic
Lynden Tribune
Mainstreampolitics
Northern Light
Northwest Review
Post-Oklahoman Confessions
Sam Taylor
Twilight Zoning
Wally Wonders
Washington Outsiders
Western Front - WWU
Whatcom Watch
Local causes
Bham CofC political blogChuckanut Mountains
Citizens of Bellingham
City Club of Bham
Conservation NW
Cordata & Meridian
Futurewise - Whatcom
Lake Whatcom
N. Cascades Audubon
N. Sound Conservancy
Neighborhood Schools Coalition
No Leaky Buckets
NW Holocaust Center
RE Sources
Transition Whatcom
WA Conservation Voters
Local Leisure
Adventures NWEntertainment NNW
Climate & Weather
Climate AuditWatts Up With That?
Weather by Cliff Mass
Cascadia
Crosscut SeattleJoel Connelly
Orcinus
Portland Indy Media
Seattle Indy Media
Washington Votes
Leisure
Am Cup - GGYC viewAm Cup legal fight
Worth checking out
Al-Jazeera onlineAlaska Dispatch
AlterNet.org
Antiwar.com
Arab News
Asia Times
Atlantic, The
Buzz Flash
Common Dreams
counterpunch
Daily Beast, The
Daily Kos
Daily Mirror
Drudge Report
FiveThirtyEight
Foreign Policy in Focus
Guardian Unlimited
Gulf News
Haaretz
Huffington Post
Innocence Project, The
Intrnational Herald Tribune
James Fallows
Jerusalem Post
Juan Cole
Le Diplo
Media Matters
Middle East Times
MoveOn.org
Nation, The
New American Century
News Trust
NMFA
numbers
Online Journal
Palestine Daily
Palestine News
Personal bio info
Politico
Progressive Review
Project Vote Smart
Reuters
Sea Shepherd
Slate
Talking Points Memo
The Onion
Tom Paine.com
truthout
War and Piece
WikiLeaks.org
ynetnews.com
Governments
BellinghamBham - PFD
Skagit County
The White House
WA State Access
WA State Elections
WA State Legislature
Whatcom Auditor
Whatcom County
Other - for whatever
BushFlash.comChickehhawks
Doonesbury
George Bush
Info Clearing House
Michael Moore
Reality News
The Crisis Papers
Third World Traveler
Unity08
Election 2009
- Candidate Forum - video- Mike McAuley endorsement
Auditor election page
Bham #6 - Catherine Chambers
Bham #6 - Michael Lilliquist
Bham At Large - Orphalee
Bham At Large - Seth
County #1 - Dan McShane
County #1 - Kathy Kershner
County #2 - Ken Mann
County #2 - Mary B Teigrob
County #3 - Carl Weimer
County #3 - Michelle Luke
County At Large - Bill
County At Large - Laurie
Port #1 - John Blethen
Port #1 - Scott Walker
Port #2 - Doug Smith
Port #2 - Mike McAuley
2010 Winter Olympics
Amy Goodman InterrogationNo 2010 Olympics
No women ski jumpers
Olympics muzzle free speech
Olympics Resistance Network
Page of Links
Spectacle Vancouver
Zirin on Olympics
Less active
Eye on WhatcomThe American Telegraph
Quiet, offline or dead
David HackworthGitmo prisoner 345
Mega Awesome
Not in my county
Parkenfarker
Pro-Whatcom