Making a difference (UNCSW Day 5)

Amy Butler '09
UNCSW Participant

Before I came to the Commission on the Status of Women, I had heard about the issue of human trafficking, but had no idea what was involved or how many people were affected.

After attending a few sessions at the UN and learning more facts, my heart broke. I could not talk about, look at a picture, or read a related article without tearing up.

I want to share some information that was given to me. Human trafficking can be for the purpose of: exploration of prostitution or other sex acts, forced labor, slavery, removal of organs, and/or servitude. An estimated 27 million people in the world are slaves and 1 million children enter the sex trade each year. Many women are forced into prostitution as a way to make money.

During one of the sessions I attended the panel spoke on the buyers of trafficking. They gave us quotes from men who had received sexual service. “It is like a vending machine,” one said, “I pay, get what I want, and then leave.” It frustrates me that someone could view any human being as an object, as something that they can just use and throw away. It tears at my heart that people allow such cruelty and abuse to happen and have no desire to change it. You can pick up your local phone book and find where massage parlors and spas are really dwelling places of this awful service. My heart is full of hurt for those who are trafficked and I want to set out and make a difference.

I believe that God used my experience at the UN to reveal to me my desire and passion for change in this issue. He has equipped me with knowledge and a desire to learn more and get involved.

If you would like learn more about this issue, simply Google “human trafficking” or visit the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women website. You can also comment on this blog and I would be happy to talk and share with you more.

Let’s take action and serve our sisters all around the globe.