Poverty is a root cause of international human trafficking, according to analysis conducted by the Institute for Trafficked, Exploited & Missing Persons (ITEMP). This conclusive information was released by ITEMP to raise awareness of the link between poverty and modern day slavery in conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Jan. 11.
MINNEAPOLIS—Poverty is a root cause of international human trafficking, according to analysis conducted by the Institute for Trafficked, Exploited & Missing Persons (ITEMP). This conclusive information was released by ITEMP to raise awareness of the link between poverty and modern day slavery in conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Jan. 11.
A long-speculated theory in the anti-human trafficking community, poverty’s link to international human trafficking patterns was previously supported only by anecdotal evidence.
For the first time, ITEMP can statistically demonstrate poverty’s connection to international human trafficking. By comparing gross domestic product information with source/destination information provided in the State Department’s 2009 Trafficking in Persons report, ITEMP personnel discovered a strong correlation between a country’s per capita GDP and their odds of being a source or destination country for international human trafficking.
Every $1000 increase in a country’s GDP makes the country nearly 10 percent more likely to be a destination for international human trafficking victims.
Likewise, every reduction of $1000 in a country’s GDP makes the country 12 percent more likely to be a source for international human trafficking victims.
“By finding the roots of the problem, we can begin to look for permanent solutions,” ITEMP Director of Operations Charles Moore said.
About the Institute for Trafficked, Exploited, & Missing Persons: Founded in 2001 by Patrick Atkinson, ITEMP focuses on trafficking in persons and child labor. Working with The GOD’S CHILD Project in Antigua, Guatemala, ITEMP works with an estimated 6 percent of the Project’s children who qualify as human trafficking victims- typically through forced child labor. ITEMP also rescues and rehabilitates children and adults not already participating in The GOD’S CHILD Project. In addition to rescue and rehabilitation efforts, ITEMP aims to heighten public awareness of global human trafficking. www.ITEMP.org
Media Contact:
Megan Kadrmas
952-544-1670
megan.kadrmas@itemp.org
http://itemp.org
Press release courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/hBp6o3
