Students protest against human sex trafficking
marissa luck - April 10th, 2008On April 1 students stopped and stared as activists against human sex trafficking were chained together to raise social awareness. Unaware of the cause, spectators gazed upon this sight, watching their fellow peers chained by the wrists, walking slowly in silence. Some viewers laughed and called names while others ignored this group altogether. Those who asked were shocked to find that human trafficking is the world’s third largest criminal enterprise, after drugs and weapons, according to U.S. Department of State.
“I know what we’re doing is quite challenging to people, and there are a lot of different reactions,” said Jordan Rakita, a junior music major. “The point is that any reaction is positive, because it means people are taking notice.”
NAU’s Intervarsity Christian Fellowship partnered with International Justice Mission (IJM) to publicize their common goal: to legalize releasing sex slaves from this illegal enterprise. IJM, a human rights agency, secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual abuse and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local governments to ensure victim rescue, to prosecute perpetrators and to strengthen the community. IJM’s local justice professionals work in 14 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America to secure concrete and sustainable protection of national laws through local court systems.
As the chain gang broke off into small groups throughout campus, there were people outside the chain willing to answer any questions. Providing facts, they informed how there is an estimate of 600,000 to 800,000 children, women and men trafficked across international borders annually.
Melissa Kiehlbaugh, a junior social work major, has been involved with IJM since her freshmen year and was excited to help with Release ’08.
“We wanted to help people to just be aware of the cause and what is going on in the world,” Kiehlbaugh said.
This week IJM helped with the booths around campus where individuals could interactively see the effects of human trafficking.
“I think people were surprised to find out that the United States is one of the hot spots for human trafficking,” Kiehlbaugh said.
According to Arizona League to End Regional Trafficking (ALERT), the United Nations reports that the U.S. is one of the top three destination countries for sex trafficking. International trends show that in modern countries like U.S., Europe and Japan, forced labor for commercial sexual exploitation is the predominate form of trafficking.
While the chain gang walked throughout the campus, observers had different reactions.
“I applauded to show support,” said Dan Gedlinske, a sophomore environmental engineering major. “They could be getting laughed at and I’d rather show them positive support.”
Gedlinske was one of the few that commended the chain gang as they walked past him in the Union.
“We need a lot more stuff like this on campus,” Gedlinske said. “Obviously there are not a lot of people aware of this, so it was really great to see events like this.”
While Gedlinske was appreciative of the message, others questioned the point.
“I wondered what these people were doing; what was the meaning behind it?” said Joe Medley, a junior advertising major. “It was a bit extreme for me and it made me look at the people’s actions and not what it was for.”
Medley supported the chain gang, but thought that perhaps they should have a different approach.
“I obviously feel human trafficking is wrong and I really don’t know much about it, but I feel their little stunt didn’t inspire me to learn more,” Medley said.
However, as the chain gang walked throughout campus, they thought about the people they represented and did not let any comments from onlookers faze them. In the end, the chain gang was pleased with their action and message.
“Toward the end of our march, I felt proud of what I was doing,” said Aaron Skiles, a sophomore business management major. “I think many people became more aware of the human slave trade industry.”
Understanding that it will take much more than a demonstration, Rakita hopes for future actions.
“There must be a choice on our part to be more concerned with others than ourselves,” Rakita said. “The people of this generation can act by stepping away from the ‘American Dream’ and moving towards a lifestyle that helps to better others first. There is great cost in justice, but even greater reward.”