Human trafficking to fuel the demands of the sex industry takes place on a daily basis and we need to Cut it Out. A letter from the SCD9 Human Exploitation and Organised Crime unit at New Scotland Yard dated 25th November 2010 states:
It is clear (from our investigations) that advertising in newspapers can play a key role in facilitating the exploitation of trafficked victims. The adverts in question often purport to be massage parlours, saunas or escort agencies, but are in reality a front for criminal networks to advertise trafficked victims for sexual services. Consequently it is vital that we tackle this area as part of our overarching strategy to reduce trafficking in London.
This is why we want to see an end to advertising in this way!
The campaign seeks to tackle these adverts by targeting the editors responsible for the newspapers running the adverts, suggesting that people cut out and send the adverts the editor with a letter stating:
As a newspaper editor you have a huge responsibility in terms of the adverts that you allow to be placed in your newspaper. Please help us see an end to modern day slavery by ‘cutting out’ these types of adverts. We ask that you don’t plead ignorance when it comes to something as important as this. Please do your bit to improve the lives of those trapped in human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Advertising these establishments fuels the sex industry which will result in people being trafficked to fill the places required by these establishments. I am writing to you to ask that you end advertising in this way in your newspaper.
What a great idea! Why not download a suggested letter template and send one off yourself?
Only, don't send one to the Finchley and Hendon Times (or any other Newsquest publications for that matter), because I already contacted the editor and had this very encouraging response.
In fact, they haven't since 2008 and you can read about it here. So that's one family of papers down - who's next?Only, don't send one to the Finchley and Hendon Times (or any other Newsquest publications for that matter), because I already contacted the editor and had this very encouraging response.
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