Best Strategy to Prevent Human Trafficking: FAIR TRADE

How does buying Fair Trade fight Human Trafficking?

The implications of Fair Trade are far-reaching.  Simple purchases of ethically produced products allow each of us to actively contribute to the restoration of global injustice.   Maybe this correlation will stir and motivate you to begin buying Fair Trade. 

Human Trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery is the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world today.  It is estimated that 27 million people are currently enslaved in various forms of sexual and labor exploitation …more than at the height of the trans-atlantic slave
trade (Kevin Bales, www.freetheslaves.net). 

According to the 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report, “The movement to stop human trafficking includes significant efforts to address factors that ‘push’ victims into being trafficked, but also recognizes a ‘pull’ factor as part of the cause…One key to addressing such demand is raising awareness about the existence of forced labor in the production of goods…In the global marketplace for goods, ensuring that complex supply chains are untainted by forced labor is a challenge for both businesses and consumers…Any successful effort to combat human trafficking must confront not only the supply of trafficked humans, but also the demand for forced labor and commercial sex that fuels it.”

The easiest and most effective way to combat human trafficking is to continually use your
consumer power to support abolition with your wallet by purchasing fair trade certified products made by survivors of human trafficking.

Fair Trade Certified products are slave free, child-labor-free, and exploitation free. Adults are paid a fair living wage so their children can go to school…they don’t work to help support their families.

The CNN Freedom Project lists various ways to find out and ensure that the products we consume are slavery free.

http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/05/how-to-help-slavery-in-the-supply-chain/

See the 4/6/2011 CNN Freedom Project (Video) Julia Ormond: Slavery like virus in supply chain.

In this video, actress Julia Ormond, who has been an anti human trafficking activist for several decades, talks about how the consumer, government and business all play roles in ensuring the supply chain for goods is free of slavery."

http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/06/julia-ormond-slavery-like-virus-in-supply-chain/

Quality Assurance and Food Safety STR RS Helps with California Transparency in Supply Chains Act Compliance.  By January 2012, major manufacturers and retailers within the state of California must fully disclose the efforts made to ensure their products have not been tainted by slavery or forced labor at any point within the supply chain.    http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/05/how-california-fights-trafficking/. For more information on this new California law requiring companies to disclose what efforts they are taking to fight slavery within their production chains, see http://www.qualityassurancemag.com/qa-040711-STR-RS-helps-with-California-Transparency-in-supply-chains-act-compliance.aspx

Further, under the Abolition of Child Commerce, Exploitation and Sexual Slavery Act of 2011, an additional $25,000 for the Victim-Witness Assistance Fund would be inflicted on any individual in the state who is convicted of committing a sex crime against a victim who is under 16 years of age. It would also apply to anyone who attempts to or does have sexual relations with a prostitute under the age of 16.  http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=1323460

I believe most people are willing to pay slightly more for goods produced free of exploitation, and encourage readers to make informed buying decisions.  Thank you for your interest and support of Survivor On A Mission. Be aware, stay safe and stay blessed. 

Chocolate Lover's CALL to ACTION

As a chocoholic, with a heavy heart I say good-bye to two of my longtime staple foods:  Reeses peanut butter cups and Whoppers...both produced by Hersheys.  The great American chocolate bar and giant among U.S. candymakers sources cocoa through supply chains exploiting the worst forms of child labor, according to Tulane University.  I thought YOU deserve to know, so YOU can make informed buying decisions.

Since 2006, under contract with the US Department of Labor, Tulane has monitored industry progress in implementing Harkin-Engel protocol to produce Fair Trade Certified chocolate.  Nestle and Mars are upgrading policies and procedures, making steady progress to ensure the integrity of their supply chain.  Hershey's REFUSES.  Much of the worlds chocolate is sourced from the Ivory Coast where it is likely child slaves were involved.  These kids don't go to school or play with their friends.  They are purchased by slavemasters who program them to believe they work for their keep.  Not "room and board" as we would think...they are kept in horrific living conditions, working 12-14 hours a day then left to beg for food. No such thing as a restful night's sleep, no medical care.  Nobody cares or advocates for these children. 

Before becoming aware, I patronized Hershey's and the exploitation of these precious children and it's left a bitter taste in my mouth. Today I ask you to join me in choosing alternative chocolate products, sending a powerful message with your pocketbook.  For those of us in the U.S. on modest budgets, look for products by Mars or Nestle.  Another of my longtime favorites (now replacing Reeses peanut butter cups and Whoppers) is M & M's, made by Mars, using fair trade certified chocolate. 

The food/fuel we take into our bodies is energetically colored by its processing.  I urge readers to consider choosing fair trade certified cocoa and other food products to nurture a sweeter spirit within.  For the ultimate chocolate experience, enjoy DIVINE chocolate, now available in the U.S.  At http://www.divine.com/ you will discover what makes their chocolate divine!  While it may not be your everyday staple food/chocolate product, I find the indulgence unmistakenly and simply DIVINE.

Some say "We are what we eat".  Like a negative experience, it can make you bitter or it can make you better...and YOU deserve the best!  Join me in fueling yourself with certified chocolate...good riddens Reeses.