“I’m 150 feet down in an illegal mineshaft in Ghana”, the opening line to Photos that bear witness to modern slavery, a Ted Talk from photographer Lisa Kristine.
“Slavery exists everywhere, nearly, in the world. And yet it is illegal, everywhere in the world.” The hard hitting speech was derived from two years of travelling and documenting “the unbearably harsh realities of modern-day slavery. She shares hauntingly beautiful images — miners in the Congo, brick layers in Nepal — illuminating the plight of the 27 million souls enslaved worldwide.”
“Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings, mainly for the purposes of forced labor and sex trafficking. As the world’s fastest growing criminal industry, it affects every nation across the globe. Every 30 seconds, someone becomes a victim of modern-day slavery.
There are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in human history, with an estimated 27 million in slavery across the globe. Men, women, and children are being exploited for manual and sexual labor against their will.”
As valentines day approaches, you can #GiveyAGift and make a difference by donating to the A21 campaign; a registered UK charity which exists to abolish injustice in the 21st century through a comprehensive system of preventative measures, victim protection, prosecution of violators, and strategic partnerships.
In addition, you can send a card to a survivor filled with your love this Valentines day to celebrate their freedom! To get involved, head over to the A21 website by clicking here and make a difference. With both gifts, you’re support and generous action will to overcome their past of being trafficked, and encourage their transition back into society where they can be restored.
“At the shelter we were offered everything that we needed. And through the time I was there, I learnt much about who I am… and what I want.” – Anna [A21 Survivor]
Written by Emma Barnett
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