Human trafficking

Although many students in the U.S. learn that slavery ended in the 19th century, there are more slaves in the world now than at the height of the Atlantic slave trade. Human trafficking is the modern-day practice of enslaving men and women, both as forced laborers and in the commercial sex industry.

The large majority of victims are women, but human trafficking affects all types of people, including children. While there are many instances of human trafficking around the world, there are also vulnerable people who are sold into slavery within our communities in the United States.

As consumers, we benefit from modern-day slavery in the low prices of many common items such as coffee, produce, clothing, and electronics. Pornography and the commercial sex industry are also sources of slavery.

The reality of the situation is shameful. As people of faith, we are called to support efforts to assist victims of human trafficking, as well as institutions that hold perpetrators accountable.

Photo credit: jk_scotland/flickr

**New Resource**   Calculate your "Slavery Footprint."