Anti-trafficking photoexhibit ongoing at Ayala Center

A PHOTO exhibit on human trafficking is on display at the Ayala Terraces, Ayala  Center Cebu until next Sunday.

Andrey Sawchenko, national director of the International Justice Mission (IJM), said the exhibit highlights  realities of human trafficking through stories of exploitation and hope.

“It is a violent crime. People are willing to  profit from other people’s  horrible experiences,” he said.

A songwriting competition will be held on Friday  to promote children’s rights.

The IJM urged the country’s law enforcement agencies to enforce laws against human trafficking.

“We have a strong law against human trafficking in the Philippines. The law should be enforced,” Sawchenko told Cebu Daily News.

In a report by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, at least 303 trafficking victims were rescued by authorities from 2004 to 2010.

Sawchenko said law enforcement agencies rescued 16 victims in 2004, two  in 2005, nine in 2006, 54 in 2007, 81 in 2008, 89 in 2009 and 52 in 2010.

“The problem is severe. People are vulnerable due to poverty and their eagerness to find better lives,” he said.

He said the IJM hopes for  more convictions of offenders in court.

Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 holds liable any person who shall “recruit, transport, transfer; harbor, provide, or receive a person by any means.”

This includes those done under the pretext of domestic or overseas employment or training or apprenticeship, for prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage.” Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol