4 Ways to Stop Human Trafficking on Your Next Vacation
Human Trafficking can occur in many different commercial industries. From the clothes you wear, to the food you eat, to the activities you do – modern day slavery can be right in front of your eyes without you even knowing it. Here are ways you can stay away from exploitation on your next trip.
1. EAT “GOOD” FOOD
When possible, always choose Fair Trade or eating at a restaurant where food is locally grown. This ensures that the farmers who produced your food and their local community are truly benefiting from your meal without exploitation. Make an effort to ensure that your food is in good hands from the field to the table so everyone wins.
2. WEAR “NICE” CLOTHES
Labor exploitation is seen everywhere in the clothing industry. If you paid “nothing” for that cute vacation attire then the person who made it most likely earned close to nothing or nothing at all. The “fast fashion” industry destroys lives, and can even be fatal. Pack your suitcase with ethical choices and purchase ethical souvenirs. Shop ethical summer dresses here.
3. TAKE MEMORABLE PICTURES
Taking pictures of your hotel room can save a life. TraffickCam, is an app that enables you to help combat sex trafficking by uploading photos of the hotel rooms you stay in when you travel.
Traffickers usually post photos of their victims posed in hotel rooms for online ads. These photos can be used as evidence to find victims and prosecute perpetrators of these crimes. TraffickCam creates a database of hotel room images that an investigator can use to stop sex trafficking.
4. EXPLORE THE WORLD AROUND YOU
Did you know that children are trafficked in broad daylight? These crimes occur openly at airports, bus stations, and many other public areas. Know the signs of someone being trafficked and save the National Human Trafficking Hotline in your cellphone: 1-888-373-7888. Or text HELP to: BeFree (233733).
Signs someone is being trafficked:
has few or no personal possessions
is not control of his/her money
is not in control of his/her ID or passport
is not allowed to speak for themselves without a third party being present or translating
is fearful, anxious, submissive, tense, or nervous
avoids eye contact
claims of “just visiting” and inability to clarify where he/she is staying
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