MaximsNewsNetwork: MEXICO: HUMAN TRAFFICKING: UN BLUE HEARTS, UNODC

MaximsNewsNetwork: 16 April 2010 - UNODC: Mexico - Mexico on Wednesday (14 April) took the lead in putting human trafficking on the global agenda, launching its own national-led United Nations Blue Heart campaign against human trafficking.




President Felipe Calderón of Mexico and Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched the Mexico campaign in Mexico City.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):
In the eyes of the world the problem of modern slavery is the objective of the Blue Heart. It is the first step to take on its symptoms and deal with its consequences. There is still a long road ahead. We have to act fast, because victims are suffering today and need our help now. We all have a shared responsibility. The Blue Heart invites us to wake up.

Developed in partnership with UNODC, the campaign calls on all sectors of Mexican society to mobilize against this crime.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Felipe Calderón President of Mexico:
It is urgent to put a definite halt to these dramatic stories of suffering and pain, in which a person sees development and future being curtailed in the hands of unscrupulous criminals and many times even lose their lives.

As part of the campaign launch, over a dozen emblematic buildings were lit up in blue across Mexico City in a symbolic act to raise awareness about the Blue Heart campaign.

SOUNDBITE (English) Mira Sorvino, Actor and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador to Combat Human Trafficking:
I am very thrilled and exited and proud to be here as Mexico has taken the lead with the UNs Blue Heart Campaign. This is a historic moment that a country has fully adopted and championed our cause to make human trafficking a thing of the past.

The Blue Heart campaign aims to raise awareness of this modern form of slavery that exploits millions of people around the world, and to prevent more people from becoming victims.

Human trafficking is a global phenomenon; more than 130 countries have reported cases. It is one of the most lucrative forms of illegal activity after drug and arms trafficking. According to UN estimates, over 2.4 million persons are currently being exploited as victims of human trafficking, either for sexual or labor exploitation.

Other forms of human trafficking include domestic servitude, the removal of organs and the exploitation of children through begging and as child soldiers. Up to 80 percent of all human trafficking victims are women and girls.
................................ ( UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME: UNODC ) ........................................... MaximsNewsNetwork:
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Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Human Trafficking
• Mexico
• UNODC
• Blue Heart
• Felipe Calderón
• Antonio Maria Costa
• Mira Sorvino
• MaximsNews Network