So...I have just returned to the UK after spending two months researching in India and Bangladesh on the current situation of human trafficking. The survivors that I met and the people that lobby against this modern day form of slavery, where to me, the most inspiring people I have ever met. One of the most shocking things I discovered was that nearly all the trafficking victims are children, young children. They are sold for labour, whether as a camel jokey in the Middle East (preferably 7-9 year old boys), or young girls in brothels in Calcutta (12-15 years old ideally). These children are not only often physically and sexually abused, but from a young age work long hours, with no rest, no days off and no chance to play like 'normal' kids.
"STOP THE TRAFFIK is a global movement working to combat the fastest growing global crime, people trafficking. Around the world men, women and children are being treated as commodities—something to be bought, sold, and enslaved". (http://www.stopthetraffik.org/). I became very familiar with this organisation whilst in the field, and was so impressed with their work that I have decided to help support their campaign in any way I can.
To help support their amazing work, I am pledging to do three things (in order of increasing difficulty):
1. Host a boat party (with the help of wonderful Mr.Turk) with ticket sales going directly towards supporting Stop The Traffik (via donating on this page).
2. Take part in the 4 Desert, Atacama Desert Race in March (voted second hardest endurance event in the world by Times Magazine recently) and generate further awareness and funds
3. Give up chocolate for 70 days, from now till Easter, to raise awareness regarding Stop the Traffiks Chocolate Campaign (http://www.stopthetraffik.org/getInvolved/act/chocolate/chocolate.aspx).
