HAPI-CDO Says NO to Human Trafficking in Symposium
By Maria Louizza Fugoso
HAPI Scholar
HAPI-Cagayan de Oro successfully held an Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign and Workshop last January 15, 2023. The event took place at Balangaw sa Kalinaw Village (BSKV), Taguanao, Indahag, Cagayan de Oro, considered one of the province’s most remote areas.
The event was a joint effort between HAPI-CDO, led by Johnny Denden; members of the HAPI Scholars; and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Brgy. Indahag, headed by Lowen Pantaleon.
The symposium and workshop include an outline of several methods that can help end human trafficking, including the following:
- Be alert for signs of human trafficking in your community. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
- Talk with your friends and family about the issue and encourage them to look out for signs of human trafficking as well.
- Support organizations that are working to fight human trafficking.
- Spread the word on social media by sharing information.
The event’s goal is to help empower local communities to protect the rights of victims and prevent future cases of human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a heinous crime that continues to cause great suffering around the world. Victims are stolen from their homes and families and forced into prostitution, slavery, and even a life of poverty. They are often passed around from family to family and are forced to work long hours for little or no pay. Traffickers lure victims with the prospect of a great job or opportunity overseas but ultimately coerce them into doing an act against their will. They frequently use threats to deter their victims from speaking out about their situation. When the authorities do become aware of the issue, they commonly fail to take the necessary steps to stop it.
Because it is difficult for victims to speak up and for authorities to recognize the issue, the majority of cases of human trafficking go unreported. Human trafficking is one of the most destructive crimes in the world. And despite the progress made in recent years, human trafficking remains a significant problem, especially in remote areas where it is harder to detect and prosecute traffickers. To combat this crime more effectively, it is important to educate local people about the dangers of human trafficking and provide them with the knowledge and abilities they need to recognize and put an end to these crimes.
The event was fruitful as the participants learned what the basic forms of human rights are and discovered how human trafficking affects many lives, including the destruction of someone’s future. They learned how cruel these crimes are and pledged to report any sightings or “red flags” in their areas. Their awareness and participation are important in order to protect their communities from these inhumane doings.
The attendees expressed their appreciation to the organizers for providing the information, which they will use to safeguard their families and communities against human traffickers and other forms of abuse.
Human trafficking is still a prevalent occurrence in our cruel world. But there is hope! The movement to end human trafficking is growing every day. By working together, we can put an end to this widespread issue and make the world a safer place for this generation and the ones to come.
