I suppose I've always known that human trafficking exists. But I've NEVER realized that it happens here in the States. I don't know why I've been so ignorant about that. I guess like many people, I didn't want to acknowledge that something so horrific could happen here in the country where I live.
But an estimated 5.5 million children are victims of trafficking, an illegal enterprise that generates an estimated $32 billion in yearly profits. Human trafficking cases have been reported in every state in the United States. Rates are particularly high in California, Texas, Florida, and New York.
As a mother, the numbers horrify me. But when I learned that the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has launched The End Trafficking project to raise awareness about child trafficking and mobilize communities within the United States to take meaningful action to help protect children, I knew I wanted to share it with you.
In partnership with concerned individuals and groups, the initiative aims to bring us all closer to a day when ZERO children are exploited. Actress Angie Harmon, who I love, is UNICEF's newest ambassador, and she is lending her support for the fight against child trafficking during Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January.
To learn more about the End Trafficking initiative, visit UNICEF's website. If you are an educator, you will find resources there for middle and high school. And EVERYONE will benefit from the Toolkit on the site that shares 20 ways to take action.
Disclosure: This post is written in collaboration with Global Team 200 and our efforts to do social good by writing about issues that affect our communities and the organizations who are doing something to make this world a better place.
