World Premiere of Redlight Illuminates the Atrocities of Human Trafficking

On Monday I had the great fortune of attending the world premiere of Redlight in New York City. A documentary more than four years in the making, Redlight focuses on the survivors of human trafficking and the heroes who are fighting for justice for all children.

One of the women who was featured in the film is Mu Sochua. She is the opposition party leader in Cambodia and is a tireless fighter for the poor and vulnerable. For that, she is not celebrated but in constant fear of house arrest. She made a wonderful challenge to those there Monday evening: although we focus on the trials of one country, trafficking happens in every country. Human trafficking is the third largest criminal business and the fastest growing.

Attention and funding needs to come to the problems of human trafficking. Companies such as LexisNexis (fervent partners in the face against human trafficking) are uniquely positioned to be leaders in the new frontier against trafficking. We need laws to be changed--only 2 states have laws that protect children from being charged for prostitution. We need rescue and rehabilitation centers that provide real vocational and educational options for survivors. We need awareness, action and advocacy. Monday night gave me the hope to keep fighting for it!