CNN reports that officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation in India have estimated earlier this month that of the three million people working as prostitutes in the country, 1.2 million are children­–about 40 percent.

The CNN story reported that high-ranking governmentofficials have estimated that 100 million people in India are involved in human trafficking, and have described the country as a source, transition location and destination for human trafficking.

A government statement noted “alarming trends” of rising prostitution in pilgrim towns, sex tourism and pedophilia.

While those numbers are unspeakably high, they are a basic step in defining and illuminating a terrible problem. The country of India, and the rest of the world, has an enormous battle ahead.

To read the story in its entirety:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/05/11/india.prostitution.children

A United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking committee has released a new study, “The Cost of Coercion,” on the patterns of forced labor worldwide.

The study followed up on a 2005 Global Report on Forced Labor, which included figures stating that 12.3 million people worldwide worked in some kind of forced labor or bondage, including 9.4 million people in Asia and 2.4 million people working in forced labor as a result of human trafficking. That 2005 study had also found that 56 percent of those working in forced labor were women and children.

The new 2009 study concluded that although building blocks to eradicate human trafficking are in place–including proactive labor rights groups, a judicial system more aware of the problem, earlier identification of at-risk demographics, and an increased international media focus on the problem–the momentum must be increased. The study further recommended greater understanding of systemic causes underlying human trafficking.

Chapter 2 of the report addressed regional problems with human trafficking, including Asia. The study identified three major problems in Asia: the persistence of bonded labor systems, widespread trafficking of children and adults, and the unfortunate role of government and official institutions perpetuating human trafficking.

Awareness of trafficking children and women to urban areas in Asia for the purposes of prostitution has risen, the study found, but this is “less well understood” by governments.

To read the report in full, visit the link to the UN.GIFT website below. The first page appears blank, but scroll down to read the title and subsequent report.

http://www.ungift.org/docs/ungift/Steering-committee/ILO_Report_2009.pdf

This spring, Westmont College in Santa Barbara announced plans to offer a Human Trafficking Mayterm Program for Spring 2010, with a focus on studying human trafficking in Cambodia and Thailand. The five-week program will include an intensive weeklong preparatory stint in San Francisco, before participants travel to Cambodia and Thailand for a four-week service learning seminar. The program’s organizer, Brad Berky of the San Francisco Urban Program, will teach courses addressing human trafficking as a global issue. Students will take a Faith, Justice and Globalization course, meeting with community leaders and social service agencies to discuss efforts at eradicating human trafficking. Students will also take a course on Southeast Asian History, Culture and Religious Experiences. For more information:Westmont College Off-Campus Programs Office, 805-565-6009 Brad Berky, bberky@pacbell.net http://www.thesoldproject.org

In late April, the Associated Press reported in two related news stories that U.S. senators have urged Malaysia to investigate claims made by refugees that immigration officials from the Southeast Asian federation turned them over to human traffickers near the Malaysia-Thailand border.

In the report, the committee urged Malaysia to investigate and prosecute those involved with human trafficking. Other activists and government officials have since weighed in to urge action.

The Associated Press now reports that Malaysia’s prime minister has promised to investigate the U.S. Senate report, asking for more information.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations report claimed that deported Myanmar migrants were frequently funneled through human traffickers, the AP stories reported. Deportees unable to purchase their own freedom are often forced into labor in Thai brothels, fishing boats and restaurants.

The Committee based its report on interviews with both Myanmar migrants and human rights activists, the story reported. Although former Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar had initially dismissed concerns, officials have now reported that they are investigating claims.

The AP stories report that, sadly, perhaps thousands of Myanmar migrants have fallen into the predatory hands of human traffickers in recent years. The Senate report quotes an anonymous migrant who explained that attractive refugees are sold into forced prostitution, while others are sold into restaurant or housekeeping work.

To read the complete stories, click the links below.

“U.S. urges Malaysia to end Myanmar human trafficking.”

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090424/ap_on_re_as/as_malaysia_myanmar_trafficking_1

“Malasia vows action on Myanmar human trafficking.”

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090424/ap_on_re_as/as_malaysia_myanmar_trafficking

Somaly Mam was just named one of the world’s 100 most influential people of 2009 by Time Magazine. World-renowned actress, humanitarian, and U.N goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie wrote an impassioned endorsement of Somaly:

“The fact that she escaped makes her unique, but what makes her truly extraordinary is that she went back. While, understandably, most people would spend the rest of their lives quietly recovering from their wounds, Mam decided to confront the system that continues to victimize Cambodian girls.”

You can read the rest of Jolie’s thoughts on Somaly, as well as check out the entire Time 100 list, here.