This coming Sunday is the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slade trade. On 25th March, 1807, the slave trade act was passed after much campaigning by William Wilberforce and other Christians, making the slave trade illegal in the British empire. Other nations, including America, Sweden and the Netherlands quickly followed suit and passed similar laws.

It amazes me to stop and think what a huge impact this must have had to so many people on a personal level. They could sing "My chains fell off" and really mean it in a deep, practical way. Certainly a day worth celebrating down the ages.

However, although slave trade as Wilberforce knew is over, there is a modern day equivalent, dubbed as 'human trafficking'. I have been really impacted by this whole issue since reading about the work of a friend who has moved to Thailand to help people who have been trafficked. She set aside a career as a successful lawyer to use her skills to fight for these people.

Many are aware of human trafficking, but if not, here are a few facts:

1. Prostitution is one reason why people are trafficked, but not the only. Other examples include other types of forced labour, child soldiers, child camel jockeys and illicit international adoption.
   
   
2. According to an article in the Church Times, victims are....
   
   "intimidated, beaten, raped by potential new owners, and served with the costs of their travel, location, and management, which can add up to a substantial debt bondage. One young Nigerian we worked with had a debt of more than £30,000 to pay her manager."
   
   And that description is referring to people brought to the UK.
   
   
3. Until recently, I was unaware of the size of this issue. From wikipedia:
   
   US State Department data “estimated 600,000 to 820,000 men, women, and children [are] trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are women and girls and up to 50 percent are minors. The data also illustrate that the majority of transnational victims are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation.”
   
   Other research has put the total number of people trafficked at around 2.5 million.
   
   
4. These people are often ignored by governments, who say they have chosen this career path. Yet, the Church Times and others say that:
   
   "The first step often comes through the offer of new jobs and financial rewards in Japan, Europe, or North America." They "are told that there will be waitressing, secretarial, packing, or entertainment work."
   
   

Several groups, such as Stop the Traffik, Anti-Slavery International and CHASTE, are using the 200th anniversary of the slave trade to raise awareness about human trafficking and to encourage people to speak out. Check out their website for more information. Events like this one are being held across the world this weekend and beyond.


I think it is very appropriate that this day falls on a Sunday (at least for contries where the holy day falls on a Sunday), giving churches a great opportunity to raise awareness and respond to this issue. Tearfund have put together a resource pack for churches, including a song by Al Gordon, which has been previously mentioned on aboutlife.  Check out the press release for more info.

Sometimes I feel like there is little we can do against such a huge and hidden issue. But, by raising awareness, writing letters to those who make decisions and supporting or even working alongside those like my friend in Thailand, I know we can work towards change.

Planning anything in your church this weekend?

How Long

HOW LONG ‘til we gaze upon Your face,     
Gaze upon Your face, gaze upon Your face?
Jesus we will gaze upon Your face
In the morning light
  
How long ‘til You wipe these tears away,              
Wipe these tears away, wipe these tears away?
Jesus You will wipe these tears away
When the morning comes

Yes, I know You will come - Pre-Chorus    
Yes, I know You’ve already won
Yes, I know my Redeemer lives
My Redeemer lives

How long ‘til there’s justice on the earth,     
Justice on the earth, Justice on the earth?
Jesus there’ll be justice on the earth
When You come again

Come, Lord Jesus! - chorus
We are desperate for You here!
Come, Lord Jesus!
All creation calling out! 

How long ‘til we hear the victory roar,    
Hear the victory roar, hear the victory roar?
Jesus we will hear the victory roar
When this race is run

Al Gordon
Copyright © 2006 Thankyou Music