Human Trafficking Archives

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men.”

– Moorish proverb

Human trafficking is a global epidemic and one of the fastest growing crimes around the world. It is the darker side of travel that exploits people of all genders, ethnicities, ages and socio-economic classes for sex and/or indenture servitude.

Sex tourism, a result of human trafficking, is evident in places where prostitution is legal and it is common during major sporting events where adults and children are transported into communities for illegal sexual pleasure.

The crime of human trafficking is estimated to be a $32 billion/year industry and it is not solely a third-world issue. It is a modern slavery crime that touches every country in the world. People are moved illegally from country to country, including developed countries like the United States, under the guise of traveling with a relative on holiday.

Understanding the many dimensions of human trafficking and hearing stories from survivors can make travelers more aware of things to look for and questions to ask when they believe people are being exploited. That is why we are sharing these stories.

Human Trafficking in Kenya: A Nonprofit Takes Aim

By Jessica Barrett

Imagine a seven-year-old girl, spending her days not in school, but cooking and cleaning for a family in a wealthy suburb. Or a young mother struggling to make ends meet, lured away from her children by an employment agency and forced into sex work abroad. For millions of people, this … Read more Read more

Africa Human Trafficking

Following Dracula’s Trail, Paranormal Photography and Defeating Human Traffickers

Do you believe in ghosts or vampires? On today’s show you’ll meet two people that do—a paranormal photographer and a writer who traveled along dracula’s trail. Read more

The World Experiences Off the Beaten Path The Arts Human Trafficking Social Responsibility

Smugglers Earning More during the COVID-19 Pandemic

It is easy to think that with over 60,000 mobility restrictions imposed over the world during the pandemic, it would be more difficult for smugglers to continue operating. Believing that such restrictions and the existence of the pandemic would deter smuggling activities is a far-reaching notion. Migrants continue to seek … Read more Read more

Human Trafficking

TODAY IN HISTORY: The Slave Trade Act (March 25, 1807)

When The Slave Trade Act passed in Parliament on March 25, 1807, the United Kingdom effectively abolished the slave trade throughout the British Empire, but slavery continued. The Slave Trade Act of 1807 had made it illegal for British subjects to buy or sell slaves, or otherwise be involved in … Read more Read more

Europe History Human Trafficking

Life as a DEA agent & surviving child trafficking

Today we will share the legacies of two individuals who have put themselves on the frontlines in the fight against the crimes of drug and human trafficking. Robert Mazur served 27 years as a Federal Special Agent for the IRS, Customs Service and Drug Enforcement Administration. Five of those years … Read more Read more

United States Experiences Human Trafficking

Oscar-nominated Directors: Greg MacGillivray & Robert Bilheimer

Academy Award-nominated director Robert Bilheimer continues his conversation with World Footprints about his background in theatre and filmmaking, decision to focus on socially conscious messages Read more

United States The Arts Human Trafficking

Surviving human trafficking & community-based adventure travel

World Footprints will present two powerful stories of survival from unlikely human trafficking victims and how they’re using their ordeals to support other victims and raise awareness about this elusive crime. We will also share the story of a former Peace Corp volunteer whose experience inspired the development of a … Read more Read more

United States Volunteer Travel Human Trafficking

A Paralympian’s Story, California History & Ending Human Trafficking

Imagine being on the path of qualifying for the 1996 US Olympic Track and Field Team as a hurdler after becoming a 3-time All-American at the University of Arkansas to suffering a devastating injury that would lead to the loss of your leg. Through faith and family, John Register overcame … Read more Read more

United States Sports History Human Trafficking

American Uprising, the Polaris Project & a SEAsoned Chef

World Footprints will take listeners on a journey that follows the North Star today through Polaris Project. Many Americans are familiar with the slave revolts led by John Brown and Nat Turner, but the story of the greatest act of slave resistance in American history took place in 1811 and … Read more Read more

United States History Human Trafficking