TVPRA PASSED!

posted by World Vision Youth February 28th, 2013

TVPRA PASSES CONGRESS!!! Now On To The President’s Desk!

After more than two years of countless phone calls, frustrating roadblocks, and a lot of prayer, today your voices rang through the halls of Congress.  The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act passed through the House of Representatives only a few weeks after the same provision passed through the Senate!  Now it goes to President Obama’s desk for his signature.

Words cannot properly express what you have meant to these efforts.  When your voices got loud, things started to change and the bill started to move. It may have taken longer than we wanted, but it’s over and the fight against modern day slavery is stronger for it.   Thank you for your perseverance and for never backing down.  You spoke truth to power and today, power gave you a big nod of respect!

Check out the World Vision blog for more details!

U.S. Senate renews landmark anti-trafficking law

posted by ACT:S February 12th, 2013

Anti-trafficking bill still at risk unless House acts, warns World Vision

WASHINGTON—(February 7, 2012)–At a time when bi-partisanship appears non-existent, the US Senate came together today to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act .  However, the success in the Senate is still marred by partisan gridlock in the House of Representatives, and World Vision calls on both parties to put politics aside and pass this crucial bipartisan bill before the end of this Congress.

This law is the centerpiece of all US laws, policies, and programs combatting human trafficking, also known as modern day slavery.  Originally passed in 2000, this legislation and the laws and programs it created have made the US a global leader in the fight against modern day slavery.

“This was a time to lead in the fight against modern-day slavery and the US Senate rose to the occasion,” said Jesse Eaves, Senior Policy Advisor for Child Protection at World Vision.  “At a time when it seems impossible to move important legislation, the Senate vote not only gives hope to millions of exploited men, women, and children around the world, but also to the thousands of advocates around the country who’ve worked tirelessly to push this legislation through. We now implore the House to take notice and follow suit so this life-saving bill can renewed.”

The renewed legislation makes some important gains for combatting human trafficking around the world and here at home.  Some of the new aspects of the bill include:

• Allows survivors of trafficking in the US better access to services
• Strengthens law enforcement efforts to crack down on American child sex tourists living abroad
• Allows the US to form strategic partnerships with countries trying to crackdown on trafficking in their own country

“The partisan gridlock in the House only serves to take away from trafficking victims and gives solace to traffickers,” said Eaves.  “This is not a left or right issue.  It’s a right or wrong issue and it’s time for the House to follow the lead of the Senate and allow the US to remain a global leader combatting modern day slavery.”

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World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org/press

Being A Haven For Children in Hardship

posted by ACT:S October 18th, 2012

            There are an estimated 10,000 families on the streets of Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh. The only jobs available to these homeless families are those of the beggar and scavenger. For begging, parents send the smallest of their children to tug on the heart and purse strings of passing motorists. Some of the singing and dancing ones can make up to $5 US a day by darting around cars and crying if they are ignored. For scavenging, families scour local trash bins and community landfills for food, recyclables, things to sell, or for anything of use. World Vision staff works with street families every day to try to help kids stay safe in these unstable environments.

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The “My Son” Project: Fighting Sexual Abuse in Cambodia

posted by ACT:S October 4th, 2012

The exploitation and trafficking of children often happens because of a lack of awareness – children and parents alike don’t know what steps there are towards prevention. What it takes is people in the community who are willing to move past social stigmas and advocate for change. The My Son project in Cambodia empowers young boys to educate their peers on sexual abuse and exploitation of boys, making their community a safer place.

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Activist Spotlight: Cambodian Youth Leaders

posted by ACT:S September 26th, 2012

Around the world, it is the youth who are taking a stand and moving towards change in their community.

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