Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery

1. Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery United Nations estimates nearly 2.5 million people from 127 different countries are being trafficked into 137 countries around the world.

2. What is human trafficking? • Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of reproductive slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, forced labor, or a modern-day form of slavery. • Bonded Labor: Least known form of human trafficking, but most widely used method. Used to pay back loans, service, etc. • Forced Labor: forced to work against their own will, under the threat of violence or some other form of punishment, their freedom is restricted and a degree of ownership is exerted. ]

3. Types of Human Trafficking • Sex slavery • Child soldiers • Sweatshops • Field work • House work

4. Trafficking vs. Smuggling Trafficking Smuggling Can be within the same city, state, country, but also outside of the country. Not permitted to leave upon arrival to the destination Those who are trafficked are held against their ill. Requires travel (generally from one country to another). Voluntarily request or hire an individual (smuggler) to take the individual to a location where they would normally get denied entry. After entry into the destination, the smuggled person is no longer dependent on the smuggler.

5. California, U.S., & International Laws • California Law: Human trafficking for forced labor or services as a felony crime punishable by a sentence of 3, 4 or 5 years in state prison and a sentence of 4, 6 or 8 years for trafficking of a minor and there are criminal prosecution, victim protection, and prevention efforts. In 2009, fines were raised from $5,000 to $20,000 for abducting a minor. • U.S. Law: There is a minimum of 5 years and maximum of 30 years if a trafficker is convicted depending on the situation. • International Law: Human trafficking an exploitation are illegal. Punishment depends on the country and/or state.

6. Conditions of Exploited Laborers • Long hours with little to no pay • No “lunch break” • No benefits • Health risks • Environment • Injuries • Psychological damage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJXfILoTEXQ

7. Who/What is perpetuating this? • NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) • Corporations/Private Companies • Governments

8. NAFTA • Goal: Eliminate barriers to trade and investment between the US, Canada and Mexico. • Within 10 years of the implementation of the agreement, all US-Mexico tariffs would be eliminated except for some U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico that were to be phased out within 15 years. Also seeks to eliminate non-tariff barriers. • Most U.S.-Canada trade was already duty free. • Exploiting Mexico’s resources and making the country a marketplace for cheap US goods. • Canada: if something is sold as a commodity the government cannot stop its sale in the future. • The Zapatistas labeled NAFTA as a "death sentence" to Indian communities all over Mexico. The EZLN declared war on the Mexican state on January 1, 1994 the day NAFTA came into force.

9. Corporations/Private Companies • Take advantage of the desperations of those in poorer countries who yearn for a job. • Lack of stability in struggling countries • Austerity measures  opportunity to exploit people

10. Governments • Human rights are not being protected • Harsher laws need to be put in place • Governments linked to corporations/private companies • Are the needs of people a priority for the governments of the world? • Are they making an effort to stop injustices? • Money = power in our society

11. Steps Toward a FAIR Trade Market • What is fair trade? • It aims to help producers in developing countries make better trading conditions and promote sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a higher price to producers as well as higher social and environmental standards. • Why fair trade? • As if the word “fair” didn’t persuade you enough… • In June 2008, Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International estimated that over 7.5 million producers and their families were benefiting from fair trade funded infrastructure, technical assistance and community development projects. • 2 cents - amount farmers on conventional farms receive from the average $3 latte, according to Transfair USA. • 10 cents - amount of social premium paid on top ofthe per kilo price to fair trade certified coffee farmers, according to Fairtrade Labeling Organization standards. • 20 cents - amount of social premium paid on top ofthe per kilo price to fair trade certified coffee farmers for organic coffee, according to Fairtrade Labeling Organization standards.

12. Principles of Fair Trade • Create Opportunities for Economically and Socially Marginalized Producers • Develop Transparent and Accountable Relationships • Build Capacity • Promote Fair Trade • Pay Promptly and Fairly • Support Safe and Empowering Working Conditions • Ensure the Rights of Children • Cultivate Environmental Stewardship • Respect Cultural Identity • Some Fair Trade Brands • Boots, Bubble & Balm, Essential Care, Lush, and Neal's Yard, Ben and Jerry’s, Green and Black’s organic, the Body Shop • Fairtradesports.com, fairindigo.com

13. Buy Local • Local Farmer’s markets. Fullerton Farmer’s Market, Pete’s Produce Market, etc. • Ask them how it’s grown & if it’s organic. • Write letters, make phone calls to the government, chain and local stores. • Boycott places that do not provide fair trade items • Do your research • Be a conscious consumer • Call the toll free 24/7 hotline if you have any suspicions of modern-day slavery occurring: 1-888-3737-888