12 children rescued during search operation in Las Vegas – Las Vegas Review-Journal

Report on Anti-Trafficking Operation in Las Vegas: Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of the Big Search Operation

In early February, a coordinated anti-trafficking initiative known as the Big Search Operation was conducted in Las Vegas, resulting in the rescue of twelve children, several of whom were identified as victims of commercial sexual exploitation. This operation took place from February 2 to 6 and was led by the Las Vegas-based organization F.R.E.E. International Organization.

Collaboration and Partnerships

The operation exemplifies a multi-stakeholder approach, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). The following entities collaborated in this effort:

Law Enforcement Task Force Partners

• Nevada Department of Public Safety/Nevada State Police – Nevada Highway Patrol
• Clark County School District Police Department
• Nevada Attorney General
• Las Vegas City Marshal’s Office

Community Organizations

• F.R.E.E. International
• Called2Rescue
• The Shepherds National Task Force
• Security Alliance for Survivors
• Clark County Department of Family Services
• Liberty Baptist Church
• Good News Club of Southern Nevada

Operational Details and Ongoing Investigations

1. Execution of intelligence-led search activities targeting exploitation cases.
2. Submission of intelligence leads to local law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
3. Continuation of investigations to dismantle trafficking networks and provide victim support.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 16: The operation strengthens institutions and promotes justice by combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.
• SDG 5: By rescuing children, many of whom are girls, from commercial sexual exploitation, the initiative advances gender equality and empowerment.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Providing rescued children with access to necessary health and social services.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Demonstrates effective collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and community organizations.

Contact Information

For further details regarding the Big Search Operation, please contact Tony Garcia at tgarcia@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0307. Follow updates on X via @TonyGLVNews.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article highlights the rescue of children, several of whom were victims of commercial sexual exploitation, an issue deeply connected to gender-based violence and inequality.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The focus on combating commercial sexual exploitation relates to promoting safe and decent work environments and eradicating forced labor and human trafficking.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The involvement of law enforcement and community organizations in rescuing victims and conducting investigations aligns with promoting justice, reducing violence, and strengthening institutions to combat crime and exploitation.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Rescuing exploited children contributes to improving their health and well-being by removing them from harmful environments.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 5 – Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
2. SDG 8 – Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
3. SDG 16 – Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
4. SDG 3 – Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being, particularly relevant to the recovery and rehabilitation of exploited children.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months. Implied through the identification of victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
• Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5–17 years engaged in child labor, including forced labor and sexual exploitation. Implied by the rescue of children involved in commercial sexual exploitation.
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age and form of exploitation. Implied through the Big Search Operation and ongoing investigations.
• Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate, as a proxy for mental health and well-being. While not directly mentioned, mental health impacts on rescued children are implied.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: reviewjournal.com