Post Conference Prayer Day 3

Find Your Voice. . .Break The Chain

Prayer for World Vision Advocacy
A Local Organization
National Headquarters Federal Way, WA 

Information:
What is trafficking in persons? Human trafficking — especially the trafficking of children — is essentially a modern-day slave trade. Trafficking in persons is the use of fraud, force, or coercion to exploit a person for profit. That person can be exploited in his or her own home, within his or her community, or in a country half way around the world. It does not necessarily involve movement. Human trafficking and human smuggling are not the same. Trafficking takes on many guises and occurs within countries and across borders. Examples include: Children abducted to fight as child soldiers; One person sold to another to serve as a slave or bonded laborer; Impoverished girls from rural areas sold or stolen away to serve as sex slaves in brothels. Trafficking in persons knows no boundaries. It occurs in every country in the world, including the United States.

How Prevalent is this problem? Estimates vary but there are anywhere from 12 million to 27 million people enslaved in the world today. But we do know that there are more slaves in the world today than during all three centuries of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade combined. Fifty percent of all trafficking victims are women and children. Every year, 1.2 million children are trafficked for child labor. Another 1 million children are annually trafficked into the global sex trade.

What are the causes?
    Poverty and unemployment
    Drug and alcohol abuse
    Corruption Expansion of organized crime Low status of girls in many countries
    Illiteracy and lack of education
    Inadequate or non-enforced laws Lack of political will to end the practice

 How do we respond?

World Vision’s response strategy encompasses what is known as
     The Four Ps:  Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Policy:
To end human trafficking, all “Four Ps” must work in concert so that the prevention of trafficking, protection of victims, and the prosecution of traffickers is tied together by effective policy. World Vision is working to ensure that the United States’ policies directly contribute to the elimination of human trafficking at home and around the world.

What can the United States do now?

The United States can use its influence and resources to continue to battle trafficking around the world. A bill introduced by Reps. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., the Child Protection Compact Act (HR 2737) will create a strategic partnership with countries that have shown the political will to combat trafficking, but lack the knowledge and resources to enforce the law. This bill works to build the capacity of countries to protect victims and prosecute traffickers.

Prayer Focus:
Pray about considering these actions steps  

1. Advocate with World Vision today. Voice your support for the Child Protection Compact Act. Read World Vision’s new report, "Ten things you need to know about human trafficking."

2. Download talking points about child trafficking and the Child Protection Compact Act

3. Take a look at the State Department's 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report
        
4. Pray for children around the world who are being harmed by child labor practices. Pray for people trying to help these children and for a transformation of those who are forcing children into these roles.

5. Call or e-mail your representative to voice your support for the Child Protection Compact Act (HR 2737).

6. See what goods are believed to be produced with exploitive child labor and stop purchasing them. 

7. Become a Child Crisis Partner. For $20 a month, you can help one child after another escape a life of horror.