University of Cincinnati invites activist Harold D’Souza to empower students
University of Cincinnati, Jon Weller, Ph.D. Director International Enrollment invited Honorable Harold D’Souza on April 1st, to educate, empower and enlighten students on the subject, How to End Modern Day Slavery.
The University of Cincinnati is a public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1819 as Cincinnati College, it is the oldest institution of higher education in Cincinnati and has an annual enrollment of over 44,000 students, making it the second largest university in Ohio.
The topic ‘How to End Modern-Day Slavery’ was organized at The Edwards Complex. Three things to take away from activist Harold D’Souza’s inspiring presentation was, be happy, be empowered and be thankful.
What is Human Trafficking? Human trafficking is modern day slavery. Victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation in commercial sex or forced labor.
In United States of America perpetrators threatens immigrant victims of labor trafficking and debt bondage perpetually with four traumatizing words i.e. I will get you Arrested, Handcuffed, Jailed and Deported. For any common man to survive in America you need four things; State ID, Work Permit, Social Security Card and Freedom stated Harold D’Souza.
Human trafficking is a global problem. According to a September 2017 report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) and Walk Free Foundation, an estimated 24.9 million victims are trapped in modern-day slavery. Of these, 16 million (64%) were exploited for labor, 4.8 million (19%) were sexually exploited, and 4.1 million (17%) were exploited in state-imposed forced labor.
D’Souza focused on how to identify red flags of human trafficking. Victims working long hours with limited or no breaks, has no control of his/her wages, appearance of malnourishment, individual’s demeanor changes; example change from outgoing to fearful, withdrawn, movements are restricted , evidence of drug use and /or addiction, most important is not in control of his/her identification, visa, or travel documents. If you notice these warning signs and suspect an individual is a victim of human trafficking, call 1-888-373-7888 in America. If they are in immediate danger, call 911.
Human trafficking is big business. Human trafficking earns profits of roughly $150 billion a year for traffickers, according to the ILO report from 2014. The following is a breakdown of profits, by sector: $99 billion from commercial sexual exploitation, $34 billion in construction, manufacturing, mining and utilities, $9 billion in agriculture, including forestry and fishing, $8 billion dollars is saved annually by private households that employ domestic workers under conditions of forced labor.
Jon Weller said; “You obviously have a powerful story and tremendous insight that I’m sure the students (and I) greatly appreciate”.
The University of Cincinnati serves the people of Ohio, the nation, and the world as a premier, public, urban research university dedicated to undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, experience-based learning, and research.