Last night I had the opportunity to watch Slumdog Millionaire, no doubt one of the best films of the year. I was surprised to be confronted with human trafficking as a major theme. It’s funny because, depending on the city you live, the film has been out for nearly two months and usually I receive a slew of emails about ‘this new trafficking film’ or ‘that show about modern-day slavery’. Not once have I been told, “go see Slumdog Millionaire because touches on human trafficking.” Not once.
I truly enjoyed Slumdog. Slumdog didn’t try to package itself as a movie “about human trafficking”. It certainly was. But it didn’t need to make the statement bluntly and it shouldn’t have. It’s our job to learn and understand the context and story for what it is: a story about human trafficking.
Slumdog isn’t perfect, no film about trafficking (or any subject) is. But it comes close. It deftly paints a stinging reality in our world, the trafficking of children for the purpose of exploitation through begging, forced sex and more.
Our job as backyard abolitionists -you and me- is to give name and meaning (visceral understanding) to the crime and work to end it in our neighborhoods and around the world.
-Mark Wexler
*slower connections please turn off HD
Debbie is a mother of three and has been homeless off and on for 16 years. She lives in a camping trailer with five other people off a side street in Hollywood.
In most cases, the “mobile homeless” (those living in vehicles) are new to the streets. Many have just lost [...]
How does God speak into our lives? Through dramatic, life-altering events? Through a powerful experience or divine vision that leaves us with no doubt God is speaking to us? Sure, at times, it does happen this way, and those moments can be some of the most memorable and sacred moments of our lives. I hope [...]
International Justice Mission applauds landmark bipartisan legislation.
WASHINGTON, DC ? On December 10, 2008, International Human Rights Day, Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, HR7311. Originally signed into law in 2000, the reauthorization bill was passed at virtually the eleventh hour of the second lame duck session of the 110th Congress after House and Senate leaders reached a compromise. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days.
"Mapping for Justice" is focused on showing how maps can be used to encourage the distribution of youth support programs reaching kids in high poverty areas, as well as for accountability and public recogntion/persuasion.
LA PAZ, BOLIVIA – Over the past six years, there have been an average of three rape convictions annually in the La Paz region, a metropolitan area with more than 2.5 million residents. IJM Bolivia, which became operational in 2007, has secured four convictions this year ? effectively more than doubling the region?s rape convictions. IJM Bolivia will continue to stand for the region?s vulnerable children ? demonstrating that perpetrators can no longer act with impunity. Read on for the story of one girl whose life has been changed as a result of steady advocacy.
*slower connections please turn off HD
Randy has been homeless for 12 years. He makes his living collecting and recycling cans. Unfortunately for Randy (and the entire homeless population in California) a new recycling law has done into effect that will put his meager income at risk.
Under the new law, Californians must show a valid state [...]
Children continue to suffer amid renewed fighting in North Kivu Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Every kid wants to be a rockstar this Christmas season. Between Guitar Hero, released by Activision, and Rock Band, released by MTV Games, the phenomenon of rock music video games is sweeping the nation. However, some parents are uncomfortable buying either of these games, as both are rated T for Teens by the ESRB for “Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes”. Enter GuitarPraise, the Christian-themed, family friendly guitar music simulation counterpart produced by DigitalPraise!
There are hundreds of verses that speak of God’s heart for justice, and of course there are over 2000 verses on poverty alone. Here is a list of scripture used in this site and particularly inspirational to The Just Life. There is so much more scripture to unpack — we’re just getting started. Feel free [...]
To effectively combat human trafficking as a cohesive movement we need to continuously evaluate and urge policy reform so we can better serve and protect human trafficking victims. To do this we have partnered with other leading abolitionist groups across the country; together comprising the Action Group to End Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery. Over the past year the Action Group has endeavored to create a transitions report for the next presidential administration. In this document we outline our specific recommendations for President Elect Obama as well as suggestions for each Governmental agency working to combat this issue.
The United States government has led the global fight against human trafficking and we hope through reform the Obama Administration will continue to develop and define what this leadership role entails.
A few recommendations from the Action Group to End Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery and the Not For Sale Campaign include:
Interagency Coordination and Leadership:
Given the width and complexity of this issue and the United States’ efforts to oppose human trafficking nationally and internationally, a Presidential Directive should be enacted to improve coordinated efforts and establish executive oversight and accountability for the various governmental agencies working to combat it.
Prevention:
To address trafficking within corporate supply chains the next administration should assemble international and domestic sector leaders representing businesses, workers, and advocate organizations to encourage the private sectors’ engagement in this issue.
The State Department’s Tier II Watch List should be reformed to support innovative initiatives for countries within this list. Additionally, a two-year limit should be enforced for countries on this list to either progress to Tier II or regulated to Tier III.
Protection:
Specific measures to protect trafficked minors from being unjustly charged and processed within the juvenile offenders system needs to be established, and the provision requiring victims to cooperate with law enforcement needs to be disassociated with services provided to victims.
Prosecution:
Increased executive branch support for state and local law enforcement training to identify and investigate human trafficking cases.
To read the full Transition document you can download it at our political action center. CLICK HERE
We need you to add your voice to ensure that the Obama Administration understands combating human trafficking should to be a priority. Sign our online petition appealing to the Obama administration to take an active role in combating this issue.
CLICK HERE
Kilian Moote
Program Director
The New York Times has an interesting Op-Ed on the power to change the world through the most mundane of substances: iodized salt. I can’t help but reflect on the Church’s role as “Salt” in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). A community that preserves, reconciles, adds taste, gives meaning where there is no meaning, gives hope [...]
