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Beyond legislative needs and increased vigilant efforts required in every country to
control and make illegal crimes against humanity, we must protect and heal those who
need us now. Severe conditions and lack of support cause some communities and families
to exploit their own children. Others seek employment in other countries, only to be
kidnapped (or "trafficked") and sold into domestic slavery, prostitution, military
service or other horrific forms of child labor. The term trafficking is used to mean
the recruitment, transportation, harbouring, or receipt of people for the purposes of
slavery or forced labor. There are few activities as damaging to people as sex slavery.
Sixty-eight percent of those rescued from sex slavery are found to be in the same
post-traumatic stress range as combat veterans and victims of state-organized torture.
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Did you know?
- Between 600,000 and 800,000 people are trafficked around the world
- Approximately 70 percent of trafficked victims are forced into sex slavery
- Worldwide, 20 percent of all trafficking victims are children
- Africa and Asia's children are the trafficked majority
- Children are often exploited because small fingers are used to untangle nets, sew luxury goods, or pick cocoa
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| Most children fortunate enough to escape or be rescued, are left with nowhere to turn. They need
support, healing and a safe place to fall. Many have lost their sense of self-worth and most likely, the opportunity
for a proper education. This makes them vulnerable and without an opportunity to earn an income for themselves.
Thus, these vicious cycles can continue. Across Borders helps to provide safe houses, counseling and work programs
designed to give these children a second chance at a brighter future.
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