Everyday English – Human trafficking intensifies in recession

• Source: Global Times
• [13:03 June 18 2009]
• Comments

Millions of people around the world are living in bondage and the global financial crisis has made many more vulnerable to labor and sex trafficking, the US State Department said Tuesday.

In its annual "Trafficking in Persons" report, which tracks "modern slavery" like forced labor and the sex trade, the State Department said growing poverty around the world has sparked an increase in both supply and demand for human trafficking.

"In a time of economic crisis, victims are more vulnerable, affected communities are more vulnerable,"Luis de Baca said as he presented the report.

"Persons who are under economic stress are more likely to fall prey to the wiles of the traffickers who often get their victims through promises of a better life, promises of better earnings,"he said.

De Baca said human trafficking can be valued at about $50 billion a year. That includes about $31 billion profit earned by the traffickers plus about $20 billion in opportunity lost from lost labor of the people who are put into bondage.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged governments to work to eliminate all forms of human trafficking.

She wrote in a letter prefacing the report, "As the ongoing financial crisis takes an increasing toll on many of the world's migrants, who often risk everything for the slim hope of a better future for their families, too often they are ensnared by traffickers who exploit their desperation."

The State Department listed Chad, Malaysia, Niger, Mauritania and Zimbabwe as the worst offenders. Malaysian Deputy Home Minister Abu Seman Yusop attacked the inclusion of his country on a human trafficking blacklist yesterday, saying "It is unfair to put us back on the list as we are doing our best," AFP reported.

Reuters
 
Notes:

Bondage – (noun) This word can mean serfdom or slavery, but in this story it is about subjecting someone to sexual slavery.

Many uneducated young women from remote areas are kidnapped and forced into bondage for many years.

Human trafficking – (noun) The business and trade of moving people to different areas or countries which, described in news reports, is usually illegal.

For those who cannot afford to immigrate through proper channels may resort to human trafficking which can be very dangerous and in some cases, lead to death due to horrific conditions.

Wiles – (noun) Sly, deceitful.

The smart boy used his wiles to convince the kidnapper to let him go to the bathroom and instead escaped through the back door.

Prefacing – (verb) To introduce with an introductory statement.

Prefacing a novel can give clues to what the book is about, or some background information to make the reader appreciate the story more.