There’s an interesting post over at Matador Volunteer with some interesting facts about modern human trafficking:

2008 witnesses the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in America. Amidst the celebrations, what many people fail to realize is that slavery persists today in the modern world on an enormous scale.

In spite of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN in 1948 stating that “slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms,” the figures accompanying the modern slave trade seem inconceivable in a global society that prides itself upon its modern-day values and emphasis on human rights.

1. There are more people in slavery now than at any other time in human history.
2. The value of slaves has decreased.
3. Slavery still exists in the US.
4. Slavery is hidden behind many other names, thus disguising it from society.
5. The least known method of slavery is the most widely used.

Continue reading 10 Shocking Facts About Global Slavery in 2008

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will host a community forum, “A Faith & Culture Dialogue on BODIES…The Exhibition,” on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 6 p.m. in the Center’s Harriet Tubman Theater. Part two of the discussion will be held on Thursday, May 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cincinnati Museum Center.

The Forum will discuss issues that have arisen about the source of the bodies used in the blockbuster exhibit, “BODIES…The Exhibition,” currently on display at the Cincinnati Museum Center.

During the May 22 community forum, area faith leaders including Rabbi Gary Walter, Temple Sholom; Dr. Wenyi Wang, Falun Gong Faith and Fr. Robert Jack, will explore the rights and freedoms of the deceased and the issue of human rights. On May 29, Mr. James Jackson, Cincinnati Enquirer and Ms. Suzanne Costandi will discuss various community opinions on this issue.

The forums are designed to provide a “safe-house” environment for the public to discuss issues of human rights and science education. Small groups within the audiences will have the opportunity to dialogue with each other focusing on the question, “In what ways can I make a difference on the issue of exhibiting deceased human bodies, where the bodies are utilized with or without consent of the individual?”

Mr. Carl Westmoreland, Freedom Center Senior Advisor and Freedom Radio host, will moderate the discussions. Sponsors of the forums are the University of Cincinnati Just Community, Cincinnati MuseumCenter, Faith Community Alliance, Archdiocese of Cincinnati Catholic Social Action Office, BRIDGES for a Just Community, Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, Japanese American Citizens League (Cincinnati Chapter) and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

If you can’t attend, you can listen to a live streaming broadcast starting at 6 p.m by clicking here. The events are free and open to the public. Parking is available for $5. For more information, please call 513.333.7518.

During the first hour Mr. Westmoreland interviews Mr. Charleston C. K. Wang immigration attorney and human rights activist.  Mr. Wang represents people of all ethnic groups from Russian, Sudanese, Chinese, and Spanish speaking clients.  He discusses immigration law and human rights.

During the second hour Mr. Westmoreland interviews Mr. Harry Wu.  Mr. Wu speaks honestly about his experiences at the Chinese labor camps from age 23 until he was 42, his migration to the United States at age 43, speaking to the US Senate about the Chinese Labor Camps, and his re-imprisonment for 66 days in 1995.  Mr. Wu discusses his views about “Bodies:  The Exhibition” currently on display in Cincinnati.

Click here to listen to the Archive.

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Freedom Station Radio is available live every Tuesday from 2:00 - 4:00PM, online at www.FreedomCenter.org.

Kathleen Davis, Director of Contemporary Slavery Programs, has been invited to speak before the International Police Executive Symposium, which is meeting at the Freedom Center on May 14. Kathleen will discuss human trafficking as a national and global phenomenon.

IPES brings together law enforcement officials, scholars and experts in the field to address current policing issues around the world. The group meets annually and selected Cincinnati for this year’s symposium. Cincinnati Police Dept (CPD) and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police are acting as event hosts.

Clear here to learn more.