Back in April, we discussed the seemingly remote issue of human trafficking in this forum. Then as now, the topic seems as though it might be irrelevant here in Arkansas. In light of a new report on the issue, it’s fitting that we take another look.
According to a just-released study by the Washington, D.C. based Polaris Project, an organization devoted to research and advocacy on trafficking, it’s time Arkansans adjust our thinking… and our laws. Nobody wants the Natural State to be known as a safe haven for people who kidnap or otherwise process other human beings into prostitution, forced child labor or slavery, but as it stands, we have very weak state laws specifically addressing the issue. According to the Polaris Project, Arkansas was grouped with three other laggard states, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming, in what Polaris deemed the “Faltering Four” — states that have not enacted a basic legal framework to combat human trafficking. Last year, Arkansas was ranked as one of “Nine Lagging Behind” states.
We can add this score to one we reported several months ago — the Arlington Va.-based Shared Hope International, a non-profit that tracks human trafficking laws, gave Arkansas and 25 other states an F. The report noted that Arkansas’ statutes require proof of forced sexual conduct in cases where the victim is a minor. The Polaris report also cited that particular lapse. Both organizations argue that this needs to change. We heartily concur.
The Polaris Project assigned points to each state based on the anti-human trafficking laws it has enacted, with 12 being the highest possible score. In the 2012 report Arkansas scored a 2 for its 2005 law making human trafficking a Class A felony punishable by 6 to 30 years in prison and fine of up to $15,000.
As reported by the Arkansas News Bureau, the Polaris Project faulted Arkansas’ lack of laws requiring forfeiture of traffickers’ assets; requiring special training for law enforcement; creating a human trafficking task force; requiring posting of the number for the national human trafficking hotline; providing protections to minors who testify against traffickers; providing assistance to trafficking victims; making civil remedies available to victims; and vacating the prostitution convictions of women forced into prostitution.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Back in April we shared a few grim statistics about U. S. and global trafficking activity. They also bear a brief repetition. The non-governmental organization, Human Trafficking Statistics, reports: “The U.S. state department [estimates] that about 17,500 people are trafficked into the U.S. every year. There are currently about 200,000 victims of trafficking in the USA today. The victims are usually forced to work as prostitutes, farm hands, housekeepers or factory workers.”
According to the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, the majority of trafficking victims are between 18 and 24 years of age. Even so, an estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked each year. Of those victimized, 95 percent experience physical or sexual violence during trafficking. Moreover, 43 percent of victims are used for forced commercial sexual exploitation, of whom 98 percent are women and girls. Of those victimized, 32 percent are used for forced economic exploitation (compelled labor and outright slavery), of whom 56 percent are women and girls. Trafficking (either as a source, destination or both) is an issue in 161 countries.
The primary motive for human trafficking is financial. The UN reports human trafficking is a $31 billion per year enterprise. Between the aforementioned economic allure and the low rate of prosecution, many find trafficking to be easy money. Fortunately, Arkansas lawmakers have begun to listen. State Rep. David Meeks, R-Conway, is working on a human-trafficking bill that he plans to propose during the legislative session in January. The bill is based on a model created by Polaris Project, but Meeks said he expects it to go through some changes between now and January. We wish Meeks luck in getting this bill passed.