Sunday, January 23, 2011

Human Trafficking in Ann Arbor

I'm pretty sure there isn't human trafficking in Ann Arbor, but the Michigan Journal of International Law is hosting a symposium on the topic on February 4 and 5 at Michigan's law school. Full disclosure: I am on the editorial board for MJIL so this is kind of a shameless plug, but nonetheless I invite all of Damn Arbor's loyal followers to attend.



The speakers are some really prominent people in the field of human trafficking monitoring, including Luis CdeBaca, who was appointed by President Obama to the position of Ambassador-at-Large to the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Other speakers include law professors and the heads of non-profits.

There will also be free food! Visit the journal's website for the full schedule.

3 comments:

  1. There was that time back in March of 2001 when the FBI and local law enforcement shut down 5 Asian themed massage parlors in Ann Arbor.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is a well known fact that Toledo, OH is a hub for human trafficking. I-75 and I-94 are thoroughfares, and Michigan's vicinity to Canada is an ideal geographic locale for moving and holding trafficked victims.

    Soroptomists Clubs around the world are raising awareness of this awful epidemic. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.soroptimist.org/stoptrafficking.html

    Human trafficking is the second largest growing industry here in the USA. It is important that we are aware of how it works and that anyone can be a victim.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I wonder what would make you think that your city is unique and not subject to the second largest illegal industry in the world? Do you not have poverty in Ann Arbor? Or a sex industry, no strip clubs? No run away teens? Perhaps you don't have domestic violence either that forces youth onto the streets?

    Full disclosure, I have not been to your city in particular, but I do work with young women who have experienced trauma in a beautiful little city that is known for a lovely historical down town as well as many other tourist attractions. When presenting to our local police stations they still have the same misconceptions as you do, believing that it doesn't happen here. As a journalist I wish that you would do a bit of research before posting a rather hurtful and dismissive opinion on the web for the world to read.

    This is an issue that is behind closed doors, and whenever it is assumed that it doesn't happen in our own backyards, we are turning a blind eye and deaf ear to so many victims that are hidden right in front of us. I realize that I have just stumbled upon your article quite late but please consider editing your post as it is just another small success for those perpetrators in your community.

    ReplyDelete