On July 27, HTCN collaborated with the United Nations Association-St. Louis and National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis to host the World Day Against Human Trafficking at the International Institute of St. Louis. Our goal was to inform participants about what they can do to create awareness and take action to stop human trafficking. Over this four hour period, they learned about:
- The magnitude of human trafficking globally
- The landscape of trafficking in St. Louis
- The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and the United Nations’ Sustainability
Development Goal 8.7 - Legislation and governmental policy in Missouri to combat human trafficking
- What you can do to end human trafficking
Over 140 people RSVP’d, and we received mostly positive feedback for the event. Some testimonials are below:
“I appreciated the variety of speakers. The survivors panel was very powerful. Great to see some local politicians there as well!”
“This was more than what I expected. I came all the way from Atlanta, Georgia and this event blew my mind. The topics discussed were so constructive and I am taking this knowledge to Atlanta so my school would benefit from it.”
Thank you to the organizing committee, Lauren Baker (IISTL), Erica Koegler (UMSL), Chase Latour (WUSTL), Marilen Pitler (NCJW), Jo Anna Pollock (Simmons Hanly Conroy), Rumi Kato Price (HTCN), Luz Rooney (UNA-USA), and Rebecca Sarabia (BJC). This event would not have been possible without all their hard work.
Welcoming Remarks (Anna Crosslin)
United Nations & Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 (Luz Rooney)
Global Human Trafficking: A Short Overview (Rumi Kato Price)
Key Note: Gender-based Violence and Trafficking among Refugees (Rupa Patel)
International Institute Tipline Data from the St. Louis Region (Erica Koegler)