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NEWS ITEM
Is Wal-Mart the leading landlord for human traffickers in America?
In October 2009, Lynda Phan pleaded guilty to running a “forced labor organization” inside her local Wal-Mart. She enslaved two innocent people for over 4 years, forcing them to work each day, for no pay.
Is this really happening in America in 2010?
Unfortunately, yes. This type of story is occurring everyday in America. At Shopping Centers, Restaurants, Strip Clubs and Landscapers throughout the country, the scourge of human trafficking (slavery) is happening right in front of us. The traffickers are taking advantage of innocent victims while securing their money from Americans that are either oblivious, or worse, don’t care.
What made this particular story possible was ONE PERSON (like you) took it upon themselves to simply call the authorities (888-3737-888) and get American justice in gear.
As reported in the York Daily Record, http://www.daytonhumantraffickingaccords.com/html/walmart.html , the owners of the local Da-Vi Nails have been convicted on federal charges, are facing sentencing later this year, and have had their assets seized to pay the $300,000 fine. The victims are free and are to be compensated.
End of story right?
Nope.
Believe it or not, the human traffickers are still operating their West Manchester Township nail salon! Wal-Mart continues to be their landlord! Which begs the question?
My God, how many other places is this happening inside a Wal-Mart?
The York Daily Record reporter contacted Wal-Mart who issued this reply:
“……asked for its policies on renting space to people who had pleaded guilty to federal charges. Wal-Mart Media Relations manager Ashley Hardie responded Dec. 24, suggesting in an e-mail that Lynda Phan's lawyer could be called on any questions about Da-Vi Nails.”
Yep, that was Wal-Mart’s reply – where “Save Money, Live Better” is their motto. On Christmas Eve, no less!
So……………who cares?
We do. And you probably do to.
Here’s two ideas that can make a difference:
1-
This story is about one Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has over 2000 stores in America. If each has 2 slaves working inside, it would make Wal-Mart arguably the largest trafficking landlord in the country.
We aren’t saying that is the case, but we are saying now is the time to make sure it isn’t. Join us by going to your local Wal-Mart or by contacting their corporate offices at: Wal-Mart Corporate 508 SW 8th Street Bentonville, AR 72716-0505 and let them know you consider this grave issue that needs their executives immediate attention. As Americans, we politely demand they undertake an immediate, systematic, and independent review of each and every damn store.
We love Wal-Mart’s motto “Save Money, Live Better” …………but we do not agree that it should be at the expense of slaves.
2-
If you even suspect there may be someone being victimized by human traffickers in America, simply pick up the phone and dial the toll-free hotline 888-3737-888 open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Remember, it only takes ONE PERSON (you) to make a difference!
11-10-09
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Today……………….
Today the tide is turning, the scourge of modern day slavery is finally being acknowledged and the DAYTON HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACCORDS is a positive step in the right direction.
From 3rd St in South East Dayton, to the skyscrapers of Dubai, from the rural villages of Ethiopia, to the truckstops of Toledo the “good people” of the world are starting to say: “This is ridiculous and must stop now.”
Today the call for action has never been louder. The screams from the victims are starting to be heard, but the need for comprehensive victim services has never been greater.
As Sharla Musabih stated so eloquently:
IT IS OUR TIME TO BE THE LIGHT AND THE VOICE FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER IN LONELY DARKNESS.
My name is Phil Cenedella, I have 3 heroes: …….all of them had “IT”
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had it:
- he was a man of God, saw injustice and dedicated his life for the cause,
His very last public speech ended with the words that inspire every victim of slavery, and everyone here today that fights on the victims behalf –
FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST, THANK GOD ALMIGHTY WE ARE FREE AT LAST!
James Jesserrer had it:
- On a beautiful, sunny, warm day in Buffalo NY – James saved me from drowning. If he didn’t take action immediately, without hesitation, and without thinking of himself……I would not be here.
And……………….
Sharla Musabih – THE MOTHER THERESA OF DUBAI - has it:
IT – is the ability to TAKE ACTION for those you don’t know, may never have met, and who, by helping, may actually bring you harm, injury, defamation or even death.
I urge you all to go up and introduce yourself to Sharla and see how you, your organization or your colleagues can help. Today’s conference is a celebration of the work they have done for decades in Dubai and Ethiopia at considerable risk, expense and angst…………in my humble opinion, they are angels on earth.
I have been asked why UD was selected as the host of the first-ever DAYTON HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACCORDS event, and the answer is really simple:
1- Since 1850, UD has been instilling in its community, that
PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THINGS
2- UD’s motto is …..Learn, …..Lead,… Serve and through Mark Ensalaco’s Human Rights Program the effective implementation of the vision of this conference will be realized
3- Every single executive – from Dan Curran, to Claire Renzetti, to Joe Saliba, to Lynnette Heard, Mark Ensalaco, immediately, without hesitation, said yes.
In conclusion,
What the DAYTON PEACE ACCORDS did to end war in Bosnia……….
The DAYTON HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACCORDS will do to end slavery in our lifetime!
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9……………the clock is ticking……….
Today,……. we are assembled not just to talk, ……….not just to listen,
but to TAKE ACTION……..take action tonight,……… take action tomorrow, ……..take action next week and ………..next month…………
We can be a victim’s hero………..
we can…………
END SLAVERY IN OUR LIFETIME.
Thank you.
The DAYTON HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACCORDS is not an event nor a document. It is a global movement.....................“for the purpose of stirring society's conscience to action against human trafficking and slavery.”
During 2010, many of us on the frontlines of the fight against human trafficking believe the tide is finally turning and the rights of human trafficking victims in the USA will finally start to be served.
In November last year, the DAYTON HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACCORDS www.daytonhumantraffickingaccords.com were struck, stating:
WHEREAS,
WE can end human trafficking and slavery, but only if we solemnly commit ourselves to that common purpose.
We must confront the global scourge of trafficking and slavery beginning in our own local communities.
We as individuals and all institutions of society have a moral responsibility to end trafficking and free slaves from their captivity.
NOW THEREFORE,
WE undertake a solemn commitment, beginning now, to end the scourge of trafficking and slavery
And to take immediate action in our communities to
Stir society’s conscience to action against trafficking and slavery
Rescue and restore victims of trafficking and slavery
Identify and punish traffickers and slavers
Promote legislation and public policies to eradicate trafficking and slavery
Address the social, cultural and economic causes of trafficking and slavery
So that
We will end human trafficking in our time.
Now it’s your turn, you are urged to participate in some of the leading ACTION ITEMS that resulted from this initial symposium:
1- We are seeking “100 lawyers that give a damn!” to assist with the implementation of a Legal Defense Fund to pursue civil litigation against the traffickers. http://www.daytonhumantraffickingaccords.com/html/attorneys.html
2- Please read the ground-breaking, non-fiction novel by Theresa Flores – “The Slave Across The Street” and realize there is likely a 17 year old girl and boy, within 25 miles of your house, in the exact same situation today!
3- Join the NOT FOR SALE “March on Washington” this March 1st and 2nd and get involved with their statewide initiatives www.notforsalecampaign.org
4- Dr. Celia Williamson is a pioneer in the fight against traffickers in America and founded the SECOND CHANCE organization. Contact them and get ideas on implementing their winning strategies in your own community. www.secondchancetoledo.org
5- Write your Congressmen! Many new laws are being considered in 2010 and the “good people” in this fight must let their elected officials know how strongly we feel about slavery in America in 2010.
6- Coordinate your own DAYTON HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACCORDS event in your community: http://www.daytonhumantraffickingaccords.com/html/media.html
7- Most importantly, if you even suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking (any child under the age of 18 involved in prostitution, by definition is one) without further thought or hesitation, simply call the National Victim Hotline at 888-3737-888
8- Remember, the DAYTON HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACCORDS is not an event nor a document. It is a global movement.....................“for the purpose of stirring society's conscience to action against human trafficking and slavery.”………………and now WE NEED YOU to get involved today! Call 888-206-3264 or email defenders@daytonhumantraffickingaccords.com now!
GRANT REQUEST 01-10
Human Trafficking is the second largest illegal enterprise in the world, followed by illegal drug sales. In 2000, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act was passed to address both the labor and sex trafficking of adults and minors who are citizens and international victims on U.S. soil. The U.S. government called on governmental agencies and nongovernmental agencies to help rescue and restore victims of human trafficking.
The first DAYTON HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACCORDS event was held on the campus of the University of Dayton in November 2009 and has already helped to change the world. The goal of the program was to better understand trafficking in our state and to formulate an action plan to address it. Our request for funding is to coordinate the efforts of the criminal justice, social service, and health care systems, along with universities, churches, and survivors to effectively address human trafficking. Ohio has become the epicenter for child sex trafficking of those born in the U.S., raised in the U.S., and trafficked here. According to the FBI, Toledo is currently number one, per capita, in the nation for child sex trafficking. A city of comparable size, we are sure that when we coordinate our response that we to in Dayton will find an abundance of what the nation is now calling "modern day slaves". As it stands there are almost 3,000 foreign born persons in Ohio who are at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking and an estimated 825 foreign born persons who are currently victims in Ohio. Over a thousand American born children are estimated to be in the sex trade in Ohio. Without an effective response these victims will continue to be enslaved in Ohio.
Through Awareness, Assembly and Activism, we plan on working to create awareness within the general public, educate the criminal justice, social service, and health care systems, and build protocols and procedures for identifying and responding to trafficking victims. An expert in the area of human trafficking in Ohio, Dr. Celia Williamson from the University of Toledo, has agreed to provide us with the technical assistance and consultation needed to begin effectively addressing human trafficking Dayton. She has built a 15 year program for victims and has conducted research and numerous presentations on the topic. In collaboration with the University of Toledo and the University of Dayton’s Human Rights program, we ask that you join us by supporting this project that is so critical to those who need our help. We have assembled the appropriate people in Ohio and have secured their commitment to work with us. We are committed to ending human trafficking in our state and eventually our world. If requested and at your convenience, I would be happy to speak with you further.
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