Human trafficking, the purchasing and selling of people against their will, is currently the fastest growing international crime and second largest source of illegal income in the world.  According to the International Labour Organization, 2-4 million men, women, and children are trafficked across borders and within their own country every year and more than one person is trafficked across borders every minute.  Not only is this a rampant international crime, but it rears its ugly head in Charlotte as well.  In October of 2009, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents launched a focus on human trafficking, smuggling, and exploitation in Charlotte after the breakup of an immigrant sex ring in April 2009.

Stop the Traffik, a student organization chapter at UNC Charlotte, is sponsoring proclaimed 21st century emancipator,
Aaron Cohen…

Where: UNC Charlotte’s Student Union – Room 340 G,H, & I
When: Thursday, April 8th
Time: 7pm
Cost: FREE (with student ID); $5 (non-students)

A previous rock and roll star from band, Jane’s Addiction, Cohen has dedicated his life to covertly rescuing slaves from Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.  He travels abroad, pretends to be a sex tourist, and rescues men, women, and children as young as eight from bondage and forced protitution.  Cohen is also founder of the Abolish Slavery Coalition and author of “Slave Hunter: One Man’s Worldwide Quest to End Human Trafficking.”  Join us to learn more about the realities of human trafficking in our world and the city of Charlotte, as well as how you can take part in unlocking freedom.

*Co-Sponsored by UNC Charlotte Student Government Association and Office of International Programs; and the World Affairs Council of Charlotte.

Check out Stop the Traffik UNC Charlotte’s blog or follow them on Twitter.

Want to experience the cultures of 50 nations all in one day?  UNC Charlotte’s longest running tradition is happening this Saturday: the 34th Annual International Fest, one of the Charlotte area’s first events to recognize our growing international dimension.

where: UNC Charlotte’s Student Activity Center
day: this Saturday, Sep 26
time: 10am – 6pm

Every year thousands from the community flock to the festival.  Booths representing each nation are staffed by international students and community volunteers who showcase art, jewelry, costumes, and crafts.  I’m most looking forward to trying out all the authentic cultural food: come prepared to taste the flavors of the world.  There will also be a variety of music and dance presented on stages indoors and outdoors throughout the day.  It’s fun.  It’s free.  It’s like traveling the world on UNC Charlotte’s campus, where we can celebrate a diverse Niner Nation and a diverse city all in one. More information on the International Festival’s website.

Donate to this year’s SCT Now Campaign Walk

In the spirit of an international focus, I-Fest is not the only event taking place on UNC Charlotte’s campus this Saturday.  Stop Child Trafficking Now will be hosting a campaign walk – Save A Child With Your Sole – in order to broaden awareness and raise funding to prevent: child trafficking.  Child trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world, estimated at $12 billion in earnings per year and 1.2 million child victims.  If you’d like to join others in this cause, you can walk or donate funds which will be directed to the costs of highly specialized operative teams who gather information, track child predators, and build cases against them that result in convictions.  If you’d like to sign up for the walk or donate online, you can do so on their website.