GLOBALLY 27.6 MILLION PEOPLE ARE VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Santa Barbara, September 5, 2023

In January 2023, the U.S. Department of State reported that 27.6 million people worldwide were victims of human trafficking, with 23% of them being in situations of forced commercial sexual exploitation. Shockingly, half of these victims were children. PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking), formerly known as ECPAT-USA, has been dedicated to safeguarding every child’s right to grow up free from sexual exploitation and trafficking since 1991. PACT envisions a world where no child is bought, sold, or used for sex.

PACT’s Annual Freedom Awards Benefit

On June 13, 2023, PACT hosted its annual Freedom Awards Benefit at the Prince George Ballroom in New York City. The event celebrated individuals who are advancing human rights globally. PACT took this opportunity to share its mission, programs, and educational initiatives with sponsors, supporters, donors, and like-minded individuals who are passionate about combating one of the most heinous crimes against children.

PACT Freedom Award Honorees for 2023

• Marcellus W. Osceola Jr., Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida
• Mariann Billie, Councilwoman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida
• James Dold, Founder & CEO, Human Rights for Kids (HRFK), Washington, D.C.
• Brentwood Union Free School District, Long Island, New York
• Barbara “Bobbie” Rubin, Board Member Emerita, PACT, New York

Congratulations to all the honorees for their exceptional contributions and tireless efforts in protecting children and creating brighter futures! One of the recipients of the 2023 Freedom Award, Barbara Rubin, resides in Santa Barbara. Rubin has an extensive background in volunteer work with organizations such as Presbyterian Women USA and Girl Scouts USA, focusing on the needs of women and children. In the 1990s, Rubin played a pivotal role in the movement to protect women and children from sexual exploitation. Carol Smolenski, co-founder and former CEO of ECPAT-USA (now PACT), described Rubin as one of the organization’s most committed early supporters, emphasizing her kindness, graciousness, and generosity. Smolenski presented Rubin with the PACT Freedom Award and expressed her admiration and love for her.

Established in 1991, PACT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was the first in the United States to focus on combating the commercial sexual exploitation of children. PACT is a member of ECPAT International, a network of organizations spanning over 100 countries that collaborate to end the sexual exploitation of children. In 2023, ECPAT-USA changed its name to PACT and renewed its commitment to Protect All Children from Trafficking. For more information or to make a donation, please visit WeArePACT.org. Thank you.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses the protection of women and children from sexual exploitation and trafficking.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article mentions human trafficking, which is often connected to forced labor and exploitation in various industries.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article highlights the efforts to advance human rights and protect children from trafficking, which aligns with the goal of promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres – The article emphasizes the protection of women and children from sexual exploitation.
• Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking – The article mentions the global issue of human trafficking and the efforts to address it.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children – The article focuses on protecting children from sexual exploitation and trafficking.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months – The article highlights the need to protect women and children from sexual exploitation and trafficking, which can be measured by tracking the prevalence of violence against women and girls.
• Indicator 8.7.1: Number of victims of forced labor per 1,000 persons – The article mentions the global number of people who are victims of human trafficking, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress in eradicating forced labor and human trafficking.
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of children aged 0-17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month – Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, protecting children from abuse and exploitation can be measured by tracking the prevalence of physical punishment and psychological aggression against children.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: independent.com

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