Hello Everyone,
Evelyn Here,
It is hard to imagine that human slavery has never fully died, but the truth is that many people right here in the United States are kidnapped yearly. Some are lured with the promise of a better job, some are vacationers, and others have appeared to simply leave their home for an evening of fun and never returned. Many are said to end up in international prostitution rings, and according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world.” Here in Florida there are some major concerns in the Office of the Attorney General that because of Florida's geological location that many residents f the state could fall victim from our own very neighborhoods.
As with slavery throughout early history, today’s slavery victims are deprived of their basic human right as well as their right to live a life of freedom. Rarely will a kidnapped victim return home to their family and other loved ones.
Below is a copy of the Attorney General news release about Human Trafficking Awareness Week, which happens from January 21 through January 27.
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Bill McCollum
Attorney Genera
News Release
January 22, 2007
McCollum’s Statement on Human Trafficking Awareness Week
TALLAHASSEE - Attorney General Bill McCollum released the following statement today in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Week (January 21-27):
“Human trafficking is a crime with hidden victims, often lurking under the surface of our everyday society. This modern-day form of slavery turns human lives into business transactions and deprives them of the most basic human right – the right to freedom.
“According tothe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world. With Florida’s unique geography, rapidly growing population and huge influx of visitors every year, our state is at an elevated risk for being affected by this insidious crime.
“Trafficked victims are often difficult to identify. Therefore, we must work together in our communities and our neighborhoods to identify and assist those among us who may be victims of this terrible crime. With increased awareness and assistance from Floridians statewide, we can begin to help those who so desperately need to regain their freedom.”
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Click the link below for more detailed information.
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Evelyn Out.
