Az. called a human trafficking focal point

[Judi Lynn]

Monday, October 13, 2003


Az. called a human trafficking focal point

A small group in the Phoenix area, backed by an about $1 million grant, is trying to help immigrants who are forced into virtual slavery.

CHRIS FISCUS
The Arizona Republic

They might work in massage parlors or restaurants, factories or fields. They could be nannies or maids. They may be from south of the border or the Far East, eastern Europe or Africa.
They are victims of human trafficking, a modern-day form of slavery still practiced across the country, including Arizona.

But police, faith-based groups, nonprofit agencies, social service groups and everyday residents have joined efforts to help. They created a small group fueled by passion for change and a three-year federal grant worth about $1 million.

"It's going to have a huge impact," said Melynda Barnhart, a Phoenix-area lawyer and a program specialist for the new group, ALERT. "Most people aren't aware slavery still exists in this country."

If the project is successful, the public will realize the trafficking problem exists and the group will create a situation "where more victims can be freed," she said. (snip/...)

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/index.php?page=local&story_id=101303a1_humantrafficking&PHPSESSID=e9a0fe1b996675036e92353ab5b07c31

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How is this going to complement _Bush's charges against several countries in naming them nations involved in human trafficking? Wouldn't this EMBARRASS him? OF COURSE NOT!

[cap]

1. cracking down on the employers will clear up this problem

real fast. BTW isn't Ashcroft supposed to be seeking the maximum punishment for crimes these days? Maybe the penalty for forced servitude isn't high enough.

[sistersofmercy]

2. Check out September issue of National Geographic...

It has an article about human trafficking around the world. An estimated 27 million humans, women and children make up a large number of who are trafficked. It contains a state department list of countries known for the trafficking of at least 100 humans, and yes were on the list along with our allies, Israel, Turkey, Pakistan, who wasn't on it? Iraq. But I'm sure they will be next year.