Report: Human Trafficking in California--Modern Day Slavery--Needs Action by California Government

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Assembly Speaker pro Tem Lieber describes report as blueprint for legislation and action

By Frank D. Russo

The California Alliance to Combat Trafficking and Slavery Task Force released today its Final Report, Human Trafficking in California, with findings and recommendations to the Governor, Attorney General and Legislature. The full report runs to 130 pages.

Among its findings: California is a top destination for human traffickers. Research by the UC Berkeley Human Rights Center identified 57 forced labor operations in almost a dozen cities in California, between 1998 and 2003, involving more than 500 individuals from 18 countries.

The report starts out: "Nearly 150 years ago, the United States abolished slavery. Most Californians would find it hard to believe that slavery still exists, and may occur in their own communities." Indeed.

Human trafficking is a hidden crime, a modern-day form of slavery. It means controlling a person through force, fraud or coercion - physical or psychological - to exploit the person for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or both. It means the deprivation of freedom and the abuse of basic human rights.

According to the federal government, after drug dealing, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today, and it is the fastest growing. California's extensive international border, its major harbors and airports, its powerful economy and accelerating population, its large immigrant population and its industries make it a prime target for traffickers. In addition to the horrific impact on trafficked victims, the links between human trafficking, human smuggling, drug trafficking and money laundering expand the reach of violent crimes associated with trafficking in human beings.

The report, the result of nearly 18 months of work, describes the extent of this modern-day form of slavery in California, and recommends measures to strengthen the state's response. It includes recommendations to provide more powerful tools for law enforcement and prosecutors, launch aggressive steps to prevent human trafficking in California, increase public awareness, and bolster support for victims.

"Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Although authorities have the ability to prosecute cases of trafficking and forced labor within California, more needs to be done," said Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Sally Lieber. "California is a magnet state for trafficking; we must be on the forefront of identifying and stopping these crimes as well. This report will be a blueprint for further legislation and action by law enforcement."