2010 was a year full of victories in the fight against human trafficking, and several people and organizations helped to make those victories possible. While the heroes in the fight against human trafficking are many and often unsung, five entities stood out in 2010 for their passion, courage, and the incredible strides they've made to stop modern-day slavery. Here are Change.org's 2010 Human Trafficking Heroes.
2010 Human Trafficking Heroes
Coalition Immokalee Workers (CIW): The CIW is kicking slavery and exploitation out of the Florida tomato industry, one company at a time. In 2010, Anti-Slavery Campaign Coordinator Laura Germino was named the first ever Trafficking in Persons Report Hero from the U.S. for her role in freeing over 1,000 farmworkers from slavery. CIW also signed a historic agreement with the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, which covers over 90% of the industry. Thanks to the groundbreaking work of the CIW and their partner, the Student Farmworker Alliance, the tomato industry will be fairer in 2011.
The Body Shop: The Body Shop is redefining what it means for a company to be involved in a social issue. Not only are they donating the proceeds from their Soft Hands, Kind Heart lotion to anti-trafficking organizations, but they're also running an online campaign to improve treatment of child trafficking victims and laws against trafficking in the U.K. In 2010, The Body Shop truly went above and beyond mere corporate donations to fight human trafficking on the ground, and continues to encourage their customers to do the same.
Théophile Kouamouo, Stéphane Guédé, and Saint Claver Oula: These three Ivorian journalists exposed significant abuses, including child labor, in the cocoa industry in their country, but were jailed after reporting the truth. However, they did not waiver from revealing the often cruel reality of cocoa harvesting in Cote d'Ivoire. The resolve of these brave reporters has inspired other journalists in the country to advocate for freedom of the press and transparency in cocoa harvesting. Thousands of Change.org members supported their release, which was secured in 2010.
The Emma Willard School: The student activists from Slavery No More at the Emma Willard School in Troy, NY launched a successful campaign this year to make their school the first official Fair Trade high school in the United States. Students and faculty, understanding the critical role Fair Trade plays in reducing forced, child, and slave labor around the world, worked tirelessly to ensure Fair Trade was integrated into the fabric of their school. In doing so, they have provided inspiration for campuses across the country to go Fair Trade.
The Washington Post: The WaPo joined many other prestigious newspapers in the country when they chose to stop advertising for massage parlors and escort services in 2010. Their decision has not only denied pimps and traffickers and easy and affordable place to sell their victims, they have also inspired activists from across the country to take on similar ads in their local newspapers. And they have helped set a new standard for newspapers across the country to reject advertising that supports human trafficking.
Applause and thanks to the many people, both on this list and not, who helped make 2010 a great year in the fight against human trafficking. Please continue to support Change.org's 2010 Human Trafficking Heroes and the victories and ongoing battles they represent in 2011.
Photo credit: duckbrown
Amanda Kloer is a Change.org Editor and has been a full-time abolitionist in several capacities for seven years. Follow her on Twitter @endhumantraffic
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