The Emancipation Proclamation may have been issued in 1863, but tens of millions still wear chains.

Human traffickers are greedy, selfish and cruel.

The abhorrent practice of human trafficking forces people into slavery, and is a violation of human rights. It is a growing issue in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. In order to abolish this continuing tragedy, the civilized world must intervene and put an end to this great evil.

According to the International Bureau of Children’s Rights, a trafficked individual can be transferred from one country to another or within a country’s own border. These children are considered merchandise and are used for exploitation. Exploitation includes but is not limited to prostitution and other forms of sexual abuse, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, and removal of internal organs.

A Shanghai couple formally identified as Teng and Zhang are facing multiple charges of trafficking of women and children, according to an article from CNN. The husband is in custody, while his wife posted bail. Shanghai police have received notice that they used a popular Chinese instant messaging system “QQ,” to place an ad for their newborn baby girl.

The article went on to say that the couple admitted to selling three of their newborn babies in recent years for a total of $13,000. Ludicrously enough, through tracing the wife’s credit card and bank transactions police found that the couple used their proceeds to purchase iPhones, luxury shoes and computers.

According to Free the Slaves, an organization dedicated to ending modern slavery, there are an estimated 21 to 30 million slaves in the world today. They also claim that an estimated 14,500 slaves are trafficked into the United States annually. Victims often come from vulnerable populations, including migrants, oppressed or marginalized groups, runaways or displaced persons, and the poor. According to the U.S. Department of State, 80 percent of transnational victims are women and girls.

There are both federal and international laws that protect trafficking victims and are designed to prosecute the trafficker. But considering the staggering number of current victims, obviously there isn’t enough being done.

According to Komo News, during a SWAT raid in May 2012 the Spokane County Sheriff arrested four people in the first reported case of human trafficking in the county. A victim came forward, telling investigators she’s been held captive for more than a year and was forced to take drugs, engage in sexual acts and was beaten and intimidated during her captivity.

Trafficking is a major problem in other countries, but the United States also has trouble with this issue. There should be stronger penalties for traffickers and more uniform laws in place to deter the disgusting act. We should be more proactive in our prosecution of traffickers. As technology increases and the globe shrinks we should be able to more easily track down traffickers and find peace for their victims.

The solution is to teach and encourage public awareness. Modern day slavery exists not only abroad, but domestically as well.

-Chelsea Keyes is a sophomore communication major from Tacoma. She can be contacted at 335-2290 or by [email protected]. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of the staff of The Daily Evergreen or those of Student Publications.