Children can be a good source of joy in our lives even when they get naughty. It’s amazing how they see the world…… So different from us. Their enthusiasm to even the most little things is something to admire. Am sure one of the most proud moment of parents is when they hear their children say, “I want to be like mom/dad when I grow up “. They see role models and heroes in us …that we can beat the boogeyman under their beds because we are their superman and superwoman.
30the July 2020 marked the twentieth anniversary of the Palermo Protocol (an instrument against human trafficking). The battle against this heinous activity began many moons ago but it is still on the battle list. It mainly targets the most vulnerable who are mostly women and children. Generally, children make up a quarter of all victims of exploitation and trafficking. A survey conducted by the Europe Commission found that in more than 20500 recorded cases minors make a quarter while 68% are female victims.
This is one of the most excruciating activities not only to its victims but the world as a whole. It is sad to know that children who are so innocent and pure can go through pain under our noses. However, what I consider even more painful and saddening is that some parents…people considered as second gods to these little ones are their ‘boogeyman’!
How about now with the pandemic? The corona pandemic may be thought to hit the business really hard. However, it has managed to maneuver against it. The perpetrators have now gone from outdoors to indoors. This simply means that with the ban of gatherings and curfews the victims are taken from the streets and the business continues inside closed doors. This has made it hard for organizations to reach these victims Moreover, it has now become an online business where by child pornography is sold.
It is prudent for us to know that we cannot always leave this to the authorities. What am trying to say is that if you as an individual are able to spot any signs of trafficking be it sexual exploitation, forced labour ,domestic servitude do not hesitate to raise awareness. From studies gathered most of the signs include but not limited to:
- Fearful of authority
- Appears to be under the control of someone else and is terrified of them
- Is not in possession of any legal documents of their own.
For more knowledge on how to spot any signs kindly visit the following sites:
- hopeforjustice.org
- http://www.stopthetraffik.org
For us to wish for a better world for our children we have to make a difference. Be the change then start the change. It is never too late to bring hope to our children, as they look up to us let them find hope in our eyes.
Help save our women and children not forgetting our men who also find themselves stuck in this web. Let’s fight to keep their wings to fly high and fulfill their dreams. #Save our children. #Stop the traffic. #Beat the boogeyman!
The Ace of Spades 