Ashley Judd Joins Human Trafficking Fight

From CBN News:

Actress Ashley Judd has traveled across the globe to raise awareness on human trafficking and the damage "modern-day slavery" can have on victims.

CNN Freedom Project

It is not often that news stations highlight the horrors of human trafficking, even though there are an estimated 12 million persons enslaved throughout the world. In fact, this is a crime so hidden that many people are unaware of its existence.

However, for the next year, the CNN Freedom Project has pledged to take a stand against human trafficking by affording it the national coverage that it deserves.

The mission of the Freedom Project is to raise public awareness, speak out against the perpetrators of this crime, give victims a voice, and to share success stories. As we continue on the difficult road of combating modern day slavery, I can only hope that others join in with CNN to become a part of the solution.

To find out more about the Freedom Project and to get involved in the fight to combat modern day slavery, please click here.

Susan Sarandon Campaigns Against Prosecution of Child Sex Slaves

From the Huffington Post on 3 August 2010:
Susan Sarandon has joined other celebrities and activists -- including Somaly Mam, a sexual slavery survivor and major force in the fight against child prostitution -- in calling for legislative action to protect children forced into sexual slavery.

Though children under the age of 16 cannot legally consent to sex anywhere in the U.S., they can still currently be sentenced to juvenile hall for prostitution. Without the protection of Safe Harbor laws, children involved in the commercial sex trade can be prosecuted for their own abuse and exploitation in almost every U.S. state. Only N.Y., Conn., Ill. and Wash. state have put in place protective sanctions around children under 16 to keep them from being criminally charged with prostitution.

Read the full article here:

Human Trafficking Films

Many people first encountered human trafficking through the Lifetime film released in 2005. Others saw Slumdog Millionaire or Born Into Brothels. From mainstream films like Despicable Me and The Girl Who Played with Fire that use human trafficking in service of their plots, to documentaries like Playground, The Price of Sugar, and Very Young Girls, to fictionalized representations of trafficking like Holly and Svetlana's Journey, many filmmakers have presented human trafficking in a variety of different contexts for different purposes. This month, we take a look at some of those films.


Taken, released in 2008, was the first major American motion picture about human trafficking. It highlights the real and present danger that threatens people across all socioeconomic classes. In that respect, it deserves much credit. The film opened up discussions about an issue that has long been silenced. However, Hollywood was the overdramatic and far fetched facilitator in these discussions. Taken, although well intentioned, was a far too unrealistic film that promoted excessive violence and idealistic plots. Bryan, the main – and seemingly indestructible - character played by Liam Neeson, spends the entire movie trying to retrieve his teenage daughter back from traffickers after she was kidnapped in Paris during a vacation with her friend. Bryan attempts to navigate his way through a deep and intricate Paris trafficking ring almost solely on his own force and a few loose connections with French authorities. And of course, as in all similar vigilante justice movies, he dodges all the bullets, punches and explosions to emerge the victorious hero. Yes, the movie clearly suggests the danger that inevitably follows every aspect of human trafficking in the real world. But it fails to mention that it is not encouraged for one man to take on an entire human trafficking ring by himself – even if he is a former CIA paramilitary operative. The movie is so over the top dramatic that the audience is left with little more than exciting action packed scenes akin to Jason Bourne, Man on Fire, Braveheart – and come to think of it – every Denzel Washington movie ever made. What is grossly unfortunate, however, is that the storyline of women and children trafficked into prostitution is only a means to another man-on-a-righteous-rampage flick. In my opinion, Taken was a missed opportunity to educate Americans about a very dangerous and heartbreaking reality.

In just 23 short minutes, the movie Not For Sale by Marie Vermeiren attempts to demystify the deceptive forefront to a better known, and more widely accepted human trafficking industry- prostitution. What this documentary-style movie lacks in glamour and special effects, it makes up for in the hard facts that it constantly throws at the viewer in bold, large typeface. Survivors and women in politics use the film as a speaking ground against prostitution, using their own experiences as evidence to the exploitation of women and children involved. One of the main concerns of the film is the impending legality of prostitution worldwide, which they believe in affect legalizes the abuse, violence, and violation of human rights enacted on those involved. Educational and straightforward, this film is a perfect introduction into the reality of prostitution, its conventional misconceptions, and the psychological consequences of being treated as a sexual commodity. So mute the commercials during your favorite show or watch this on your iPhone on your commute to work, 23 minutes is all it takes to realize the horror of this issue, thanks to this short film. Go ahead, watch it online for free.

In 2008, Justin Dillon released the film Call + Response. After learning about human trafficking, he felt called to join the anti-trafficking movement, and decided to do it through his skills as a musician and artist. The "rockumentary" brings together commentary from many of the fields luminaries, including Kevin Bales, Madeline Albright, Nicholas Kristoff, Julia Ormand, and Cornell West, as well as musicians ranging from Cold War Kids to Natasha Bedingford and Imogen Heap. The film uses the first abolitionist movement of the 19th century as inspiration and to contextualize its thesis that "Music is part of the movement against human slavery. Dr. Cornell West connects the music of the American slave fields to the popular music we listen to today, and offers this connection as a rallying cry for the modern abolitionist movement currently brewing." The film aims to be a call/inspiration that demands a response in the form of action from it audience. Recently, Call + Response released various tool kits for hosting screenings. As Cornell West reminds us, "Justice is what love looks like in public," which is a call that certainly necessitates a response.

At least once a week someone asks if I have seen a particular movie on human trafficking. It is always awkward. Despite having studied and worked in this field for several years now, I intentionally avoid movies on the topic. At first, I did not really understand what made me reluctant to do so. I have trouble sitting still. I do not watch many movies in the first place, but my willingness to watch movies on human trafficking is less than normal. One day, I realized each film about human trafficking is meant to evoke strong emotions in the person watching, whether it is a drama or a documentary. I am person who takes on other people’s emotions easily and understands things the most when it is represented visually. In other words, movies on the topic of human trafficking shake my core and keep me up at night. When I first realized this, it was liberating. Since then, I have met others who share my sentiments. Working in the field of human trafficking can be emotional and daunting. Everyone has days where they want to quit. It is vital in this field that each person makes boundaries in order to avoid burn out. This is my boundary. I try to avoid movies on the topic of human trafficking because for me they are too emotionally draining and it threatens my ability to work effectively in the field.

Demi Moore Wins Pepsi Refresh Grant to Support Anti-Human Trafficking Organization

According to a recent press release, New York-based human trafficking organization, Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS), will be the recipient of a $250,000 grant, thanks to Demi Moore. Demi Moore beat Kevin Bacon in the Pepsi Refresh Celebrity Challenge using her social media network to gather votes. The money will be donated to GEMS to aid her cause, fighting human trafficking.

According to the release, GEMS is "the nation's largest non-profit organization designed to empower American girls and young women, ages 12-21 who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking."

Stated Demi, "The Pepsi Refresh Grant will allow GEMS to train 10 former victims as outreach workers and employ them to go back to their community and refresh the lives of thousands of victimized girls. I believe the work that GEMS is doing is nothing short of heroic!"

The Pepsi Refresh Project will award over $20 million in 2010 in grants for community projects. Individuals with project ideas can apply at http://www.refresheverything.com/ to have their project proposals voted on by the public.

Photo credit: prnewswire.com

Pepsi Refresh Project Demi Moore for GEMS

Demi Moore is joining the Pepsi Refresh Project with a grant idea to support GEMS (Girls Educational & Mentoring Services), an organization that empowers young women, ages 12-21, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and develop to their full potential. With $250,000, GEMS can train 10 former victims as outreach workers and employ them to go back in their community and help refresh the lives of thousands of victimized girls.

Support Demi's idea for GEMS by voting for her at www.facebook.com/refresheverything

More info on GEMS

Celebrities and Trafficking

Intro by Justin: We idolize celebrities. They are modern day demigods who roam the Earth gracing us once every year or so with a world shaking motion picture or a heart wrenching song. They are the heroes and caricatures of perfection that grace the silver screen and more recently dance and sing for us on YouTube, our mouse clicks often numbering in the millions busily pressing "play" and "repeat." Yet when a celebrity gets involved in a human rights issue what does it mean?

When I was researching human trafficking in the Philippines in 2007 I worked with people who had been fighting the good fight day and night for over a decade, pouring themselves, their time and energy into combating trafficking. I know that trafficking is currently highly lucrative and that where there is money, there is deep motivation on the part of the traffickers to maintain business as usual. I saw first hand that the struggle to end human trafficking is a long-term process that ultimately requires the transformation of deeply entrenched political, economic and cultural factors if the root issues are to be effectively addressed.

With this in mind, what are we to think when a celebrity joins the fight against trafficking? What do photos with trafficking survivors, a visit to a shelter and a speech or a song actually amount to? Does a celebrity's involvement signal real commitment or is it just a flash in the pan? Despite these misgivings, it is impossible to deny the unique opportunity and ability that celebrities possess to use their fame to focus our attention on important global issues like human trafficking and make a significant impact.


Justin: After researching Ricky Martin and his humanitarian efforts, I am happy to have discovered his dedication to combating modern day slavery and his use of his celebrity status as a way to effectively support the anti-trafficking movement.

Ricky Martin first encountered human trafficking in 2002 during a visit to Calcutta, India. Founder of the Ricky Martin Foundation, which works to combat human trafficking and other human rights issues, Mr. Martin has had an admirable track record in activism receiving numerous accolades for his efforts including Billboard's Spirit of Hope Award, the Alma Award, the International Humanitarian Award by the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children and the Hispanic Heritage Award for his humanitarian work through the Sabera Foundation in rescuing three orphan girls from the streets of Calcutta. In 2005 the U.S. State Department named Mr. Martin one of its "Heroes in Ending Modern-Day Slavery." Martin also collaborated with the International Organization for Migration on “Llama y Vive” (Call and Live), a campaign aimed at the prevention of human trafficking, protection of the youngest victims of child trafficking and prosecution traffickers.

Human trafficking is an issue that requires a collective effort from all sectors of society to be effectively addressed. No one group has all the answers or resources needed to solve the problem of modern day slavery whether it be government, law enforcement, the civil sector or celebrities. Collaboration becomes integral to making a real difference in the long term and, at the same time, recognizing how we can each use our unique strengths to help the cause.

Although celebrities alone are not the solution to ending human trafficking, I am glad to see someone like Ricky Martin embracing his role as a pop icon, engaging the issue of human trafficking over the long term and using his fame to make a difference.

Click here to watch Ricky Martin's speech at the UN GIFT conference in February 2008

Youngbee: Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore launched the Demi and Ashton Foundation (DNA) on January 25th, 2010. The couple have been very explicit about their support for anti-human trafficking through social media even prior to launching their DNA Foundation. They tweeted statistics on human trafficking and they also spread the word about anti-trafficking events and campaigns on Twitter. I am not sure what motivates they have behind their support for anti-human trafficking initiatives. Maybe they want to support human trafficking victims because they want to be trendy, or maybe they just are genuinely concerned for the victims of trafficking. Either way, that is not something that I would like to waste my time worrying about. I don't know them in person, nor do I know anyone who can tell me what they were about when they established DNA.

But one thing is clear: their celebrity status is put into a good use with this work. Within three days of launching the DNA Foundation, 2,182 fans have already joined their Facebook page and 3,661 people are following them on Twitter. Obviously, this is a significantly better start than most nonprofits in the US have. From their website, it is not clear what direction the DNA Foundation will take in terms of supporting the cause of trafficking victims. But, time will tell, and one can only hope for the best.

Elise: Some may have already heard that Lindsay Lohan is attempting to make her mark in the anti-trafficking world ever since she started tweeting her vows to take action over the summer. Now, a clip has been leaked for a new documentary that she is apparently shooting for the BBC in India focused on child trafficking. I have to say that this is a particular avenue by a particular celebrity where the negatives seem to outweigh the positives: here is someone known for her poor personal decisions and the clip reveals that, like in many other arenas in her life, she is diving head first into a topic that she really does not understand. While her celebrity status could at least spark interest in awareness among her fans who would otherwise spend their time watching how many times she changes her clothes every day, starring in her own documentary and narcisstically claiming to save 40 children in a day will probably not create the kind of change she seems to hope for.

This is one human rights issue where, if you really want to contribute to the fight, you cannot expect that your face will be plastered all over the results of your assistance. For example, donating funds to a victim service provider is a great idea, but the provider may not want a lot of attention in order to avoid risks to themselves or the survivors with whom they work. I'm not sure Lohan would be able to handle that kind of tame or unpublicized philanthropy. Maybe I'm not being fair; maybe she already has. I am not looking forward to her documentary, though.

Jennifer: In November 2009, Emma Thompson's exhibit called Journey opened in New York after showings in London and Vienna. The exhibit, curated by the two-time Oscar winner, is inspired by the story of a sex-trafficking survivor that Thompson first met in 2006. In a piece for Newsweek, Thompson writes, "What made her story so personal for me was where she'd been imprisoned: the same massage parlor [in my neighborhood that] I'd once treated as a joke. It underlined an awful truth: that human trafficking is not just a problem for other communities or other people. It exists on our own doorsteps, and our lack of action shames us all." Perhaps I am drawn to Thompson's anti-trafficking work because a similar experience was the catalyst for my anti-trafficking work.

In addition to her work raising awareness, Thompson is also the chair of the Helen Bamber Foundation, an organization that works with trafficking survivors and survivors of other human rights abuses. In interviews and pieces about her work, Thompson stresses the importance of being self-reflective about the ways we promote slavery through our own life choices, and she also cautions about objectifying and re-victimizing survivors. Like Elise, I am wary of celebrities whose anti-trafficking work appears more narcissistic than useful. In her writing and speaking about trafficking, Thompson not only works to end slavery, she serves as a model for others seeking to use their celebrity status to fight trafficking.

Click here to watch Emma Thompson speak about the Journey Exhibit

Meg: It's certainly amazing what fame and money can accomplish, and I think that Oprah is an obvious example. Human Trafficking is one of the many causes she is championing. Besides featuring a book that spotlights human trafficking in her book club (and having worked at a bookstore, I can vouch for the popularity of Oprah's Book Club books), she also has devoted a significant portion of her Oprah's Angel Network charity to human trafficking. On the For All Women Registry section of the site, visitors are encouraged to spend "$5 - or 5 Minutes" on causes including ending modern-day slavery -- and there are many creative suggestions of ways to help.

Just a thought: although celebrities who choose to can certainly do amazing things to promote a cause, I think it's important to keep in mind that we all have our own valuable resources and advantages which we can use for the benefit of others. It can sometimes be easy to focus on our limitations, rather than on what we can do. Even a few dollars or minutes of time donated here and there can do good things to help victims of human trafficking, and a few dollars or minutes donated by many "everyday people" can do great things.