 about human trafficking on Nov 8, 2017 titled The Kilgannon Corporation, which had 5.04 million viewers. CBS’s television series Seal Team, episode 17, titled In Name Only aired on March 28, 2018 was all about human trafficking, were 6.48 million viewers were educated about the plight. NBC’s television series Taken, based on the movie by the same title, in its second season, aired an episode titled S.E.R.E on Jan 12, 2018, also about human trafficking, viewed by 2.79 million people.
Martial arts movies have also brought attention to human trafficking like the film Out of Reach (2004) starring Steven Seagal, the film Merantau (2009), starring Iko Uwais, the film Six Bullets (2012), staring Jean-Claude Van Damme, which it about an ex-mercenary that is hired by a famous mixed martial arts fighter to find his kidnapped daughter, and the movie Skin Trade (2105) starring Tony Jaa, and more recently Lionsgate’s film Acts of Violence (2018), starring Bruce Willis.
The Dark Side of Paradise
The Dominican Republic is known for its many beautiful Caribbean beaches. Yet, on these very same beaches, as well as in the parks and on public streets, the trafficking of 15-year-old to 17-year-old girls also occurs. Tourist hotspots are used by organized crime to traffic their victims: 80% women, 15% children, 5% men. Child sex tourism is a big problem, particularly in the hotel areas along the coasts of the island, attracting tourists year round.
Trafficking minors is not merely confined to strangers luring their victims, but it also happens domestically as well. This means that victim’s very own family member sells them, or allow the minor to go to work in bars and other establishments, in exchange for money, gifts, or sexual gratification. By law this is the definition of human trafficking.
The human trafficking in the Dominican Republic is not only committed by Dominicans or Haitians, but according to recent investigations conducted by the government, intelligence reports confirm that the Dominican Republic has is infested with mafias from the Russians, Chinese, Colombians, Venezuelans, Ecuadorians and Italians.
The Dominican Republic places fourth on the list, after Thailand, Brazil and Colombia, for the most percentage of victims of human trafficking in the world.
Anti-Trafficking Bureau
I now work for the Anti-Trafficking Bureau (ATB), which was established in 2017. It is a very diverse team dedicated to fight for justice on behalf of all trafficked victims, and to ensure that all traffickers receive the maximum sentence allowed by law for crimes committed. We believe in an intergovernmental, and multidisciplinary, approach to fighting this crime in order to see the best outcome.
The Anti-Trafficking Bureau coordinates comprehensive services in the areas of education and prevention, intelligence and investigation, and it specialized in victim care once they are take out of captivity. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive model in response to human trafficking where: victims are respected and empowered, service providers are enabled to offer quality care, government agencies are supported through shared intelligence and joint operations, partners are resourced and equipped, communities are engaged and educated, and donors are assured of financial integrity.
There are three branches within the Anti-Trafficking Bureau. They are:
Education and Prevention Unit: It’s important that people from all backgrounds and socio-economic levels understand what human trafficking is in order to identify various crimes associated with it, and how to report them. This unit gives workshops at the government level, and on down to the community level.
Special Investigation Unit: This unit works with the other Federal Anti-Trafficking Departments and directly with international agencies. It provides intelligence analysis, support logistics, and monitors operations. The unit responds to any leads related to trafficking in persons, and functions at tactical, operational, and strategic levels.
Special Victims Unit: Taking a victim-centered approach (considering the wishes, safety, and the well-being of the victim) is what this unit is all about. This approach is defined as the systematic approach to the needs and concerns of a victim to ensure that services are offered in a compassionate, sensitive, and impartial manner.
My work includes the investigations of human trafficking of minors in cooperation with the National Police Human Trafficking Department, along with members of the Federal Human Trafficking Task Forces. To get charges to stick requires sophisticated techniques, such as going undercover and using the latest technology to gather information.
Conclusion
If I had been told 18 years ago, when I read my first Black Belt magazine article, that I’d one day be helping to “free slaves” I’d never have believe it. Yet, like many cops, soldiers, and those fighting in the ring, which was inspired, the martial arts was the catalyst that made it happen for me. Just by being aware, and keeping your eyes open, you too are now part of the fight against human trafficking.
Support the Anti Trafficking Bureau
Established in 2017 by Fernando Figueroa and Peter Everett, Anti Trafficking Bureau is a diverse team dedicated to fighting for justice for all trafficked victims and ensuring that all traffickers receive the maximum sentence for crimes committed. Our vision is for a world where human trafficking is not tolerated. Thank you for partnering with ATB. Donate
Support Fernando and Altagracia Figueroa in their fight against Human Trafficking
Fernando Figueroa, his wife Altagracia and their two young sons live in the Dominican Republic, where human trafficking is prevalent. Both Fernando and Altagracia are passionate about bringing freedom, justice and healing to victims of this terrible crime. In 2017 they founded Anti Trafficking Bureau together with a team of friends dedicated to providing a comprehensive model in response to human trafficking in the Dominican Republic. They are excited to watch God grow the organization and make an impact for His Kingdom. Fernando is an author and has done extensive training in such fields as intelligence, counter-intelligence, cyber crimes, counter-terrorism, self defense and more. Donate
For more information on the organization visit.
Trafficking in Persons Report June 2018
Human Trafficking Awareness for the General Public Free Course
We’re very proud to announce our victory for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario in the hard-fought Blue Box funding arbitration. Kudos to Glenn Chu and Matthew Cornett, who represented the City of Toronto at the arbitration as our co-counsel, and who successfully led the procedural and in-kind issues.
Under section 25(5) of the Waste Diversion Act, municipalities are entitled to “50 per cent of the total net costs incurred by those municipalities as a result of the program”, to be paid by stewards, i.e. the brand owners who sell packaged goods and printed papers to consumers in Ontario.
Arbitrator Robert Armstrong ruled that Stewardship Ontario must pay Ontario municipalities $115,172,322 for operating residential blue box programs in 2014, about $20 million more than Stewardship Ontario had proposed for 2014. The full decision is here: Blue Box Arbitration Award.
Mr. Armstrong concluded that the municipal Datacall, as verified by Waste Diversion Ontario, provides “a reliable figure for the 2014 Steward Obligation” and met the reasonableness requirement he read into section 25(5). He rejected the so called “Best Practices” computer model proposed by Stewardship Ontario, determining that the evidence was insufficient to establish that it could produce a reliable number.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario Policy Update provides an analysis of both the decision and a discussion of next steps:
What’s Next?
Now that the arbitration process is complete, it is our view that its findings will be helpful to all parties given the Ontario government’s commitment to bring in new waste reduction legislation with full producer responsibility. Last week the Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, said that the new legislation is expected in 2015 and has signalled that they are looking to the producers and municipalities to develop workable solutions themselves as input to the legislation.
We understand that this includes producer-municipal sector discussions on a new Blue Box framework. AMO, with the City of Toronto, and with staff support from the Regional Public Works Commissioners of Ontario and the Municipal Waste Association, is currently developing a sector approach to prepare for these upcoming discussions. Further information on these future waste diversion activities will be shared as it becomes available.In the third of our Made For Missions Country Profiles, we give a brief overview of the country of Japan! There is multiple opportunities for missionaries in Japan, as only about 1% of the population are evangelical Christians.
Visit their websites to learn more about opportunities to serve in Japan!We present here for sale this Yamaha XSR900 ABS. IN STOCK NOW!! An exhilarating riding experience delivered by cutting edge technology and influenced by an unrivalled racing heritage. The best of Yamaha's latest engineering is wrapped in a retro design, paying tribute to timeless classic machines. The latest in-line, 3-cylinder, 850cc, CP3 Crossplane Concept engine delivers astounding torque and breath-taking acceleration. A super lightweight aluminium frame combined with a natural riding positi...
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