Today's Article
'Trafficking in people
for prostitution and
forced labor is one of
the most prolific areas
of international
criminal activity,' says
a recent gov't report.
for prostitution and
forced labor is one of
the most prolific areas
of international
criminal activity,' says
a recent gov't report.
The American Spark
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Battling The Evil Of Human Trafficking
By Cliff Montgomery - Feb. 7th, 2008
A Congressional Research Service (CRS) report released on January 10th, 2008, highlights what is
unfortunately a growing problem around the world: Human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor and
prostitution. In short, the re-emergence of slavery.
We quote from the CRS report below:
"Trafficking in people for prostitution and forced labor is one of the most prolific areas of international criminal
activity, and is of significant concern to the United States and the international community.
"The overwhelming majority of those trafficked are women and children. According to the most recent
Department of State estimates, roughly 800,000 people are trafficked across borders each year.
"If trafficking within countries is included in the total world figures, official U.S. estimates are that some 2 to 4
million people are trafficked annually.
"However, there are even higher estimates, ranging from 4 to 27 million for total numbers of forced or bonded
laborers. As many as 17,500 people are believed to be trafficked to the United States each year.
"Human trafficking is now a leading source of profits for organized crime syndicates, together with drugs and
weapons, generating billions of dollars. Trafficking in persons affects virtually every country in the world.
"Since enactment of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000...the Administration and
Congress have aimed to address the human trafficking problem.
"The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (TVPRA), which President Bush signed into
law on January 10, 2006...authorized appropriations for FY2006 and FY2007.
"The State Department issued its seventh congressionally mandated Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report on
June 12, 2007. Each report categorizes countries into four tiers according to the government’s efforts to
combat trafficking. Those countries that do not cooperate in the fight against trafficking...have been made
subject to U.S. sanctions since 2003. [...]
"In the 110th Congress, there are several bills with trafficking-related provisions.
"The Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007...directs the Secretary of Homeland
Security to provide specified funding and administrative support to strengthen the Human Smuggling and
Trafficking Center.
"H.R. 3887 (sponsored by Rep. Tom Lantos [D-CA]), [was] approved by the House on December 4, 2007 by a
vote of 405-2... [It] would, among other provisions, re-authorize anti-trafficking programs through FY2011, and
amend the criminal code and immigration law related to trafficking. It is likely to be considered by the Senate
early in the second session of the 110th Congress.
"Another bill, H.R. 2522 (sponsored by Rep. John Lewis [D-GA]), would establish a Commission to evaluate
the effectiveness of current U.S. anti-slavery efforts, including anti-trafficking in persons programs, and make
recommendations.
"S. 1703 (sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin [D-IL]), approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on
September 20, 2007, would create additional jurisdiction in U.S. courts for trafficking offenses occurring in
other countries."
Like what you're reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of the The American Spark e-
newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be
delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!
By Cliff Montgomery - Feb. 7th, 2008
A Congressional Research Service (CRS) report released on January 10th, 2008, highlights what is
unfortunately a growing problem around the world: Human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor and
prostitution. In short, the re-emergence of slavery.
We quote from the CRS report below:
"Trafficking in people for prostitution and forced labor is one of the most prolific areas of international criminal
activity, and is of significant concern to the United States and the international community.
"The overwhelming majority of those trafficked are women and children. According to the most recent
Department of State estimates, roughly 800,000 people are trafficked across borders each year.
"If trafficking within countries is included in the total world figures, official U.S. estimates are that some 2 to 4
million people are trafficked annually.
"However, there are even higher estimates, ranging from 4 to 27 million for total numbers of forced or bonded
laborers. As many as 17,500 people are believed to be trafficked to the United States each year.
"Human trafficking is now a leading source of profits for organized crime syndicates, together with drugs and
weapons, generating billions of dollars. Trafficking in persons affects virtually every country in the world.
"Since enactment of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000...the Administration and
Congress have aimed to address the human trafficking problem.
"The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (TVPRA), which President Bush signed into
law on January 10, 2006...authorized appropriations for FY2006 and FY2007.
"The State Department issued its seventh congressionally mandated Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report on
June 12, 2007. Each report categorizes countries into four tiers according to the government’s efforts to
combat trafficking. Those countries that do not cooperate in the fight against trafficking...have been made
subject to U.S. sanctions since 2003. [...]
"In the 110th Congress, there are several bills with trafficking-related provisions.
"The Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007...directs the Secretary of Homeland
Security to provide specified funding and administrative support to strengthen the Human Smuggling and
Trafficking Center.
"H.R. 3887 (sponsored by Rep. Tom Lantos [D-CA]), [was] approved by the House on December 4, 2007 by a
vote of 405-2... [It] would, among other provisions, re-authorize anti-trafficking programs through FY2011, and
amend the criminal code and immigration law related to trafficking. It is likely to be considered by the Senate
early in the second session of the 110th Congress.
"Another bill, H.R. 2522 (sponsored by Rep. John Lewis [D-GA]), would establish a Commission to evaluate
the effectiveness of current U.S. anti-slavery efforts, including anti-trafficking in persons programs, and make
recommendations.
"S. 1703 (sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin [D-IL]), approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on
September 20, 2007, would create additional jurisdiction in U.S. courts for trafficking offenses occurring in
other countries."
Like what you're reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of the The American Spark e-
newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be
delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!