Over the next several weeks, we will be following key bloggers who are playing active roles in fighting against modern-day slavery.

Image courtesy of International Justice Mission

These human rights advocates are also highlighting At the End of Slavery as a tool to help catalyze the movement to end modern-day slavery worldwide.

Please visit ALENOW.org to learn more about modern-day slavery and how you can be a promoter of social justice.

To learn more about current, local and global stories on modern-day slavery, please check out the links below.

NJ.com – “Jury urged to convict woman in Newark human trafficking ring”

A woman in Newark, New Jersey is on trial for her alleged involvement with smuggling more than 20 West African girls to work in her hair braiding salons. The girls, ages 10 to 19, were forced to work 14 hour days without pay. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shana W. Chen said, “She knew these girls were young. They were poor. They were uneducated. She knew they wanted a better life and they were susceptible to that promise.”

STL Today – “Study seeks ban on organ trafficking”

Exploiting a living person for the use of living cells or organs is already a crime included under human trafficking laws, but the U.N. and the Council of Europe say there is a need for a global definition.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer - “90210’s McCord fights against human trafficking”

Nip Tuck’s and 90210’s AnnaLynne McCord joins a slew of other celebrities, such as Emma Thompson, Ricky Martin, and Ashley Judd, who are taking a stand against human trafficking.  On her experience with working with non-profit organization, Blind Project, she says, “It’s been really incredible to be able to shed light on a billion-dollar industry that barely anyone knows about.”

BBC – “Stolen youth of South Africa’s child brides”

Girls as young as 11 are being abducted and forced into arranged marriages as part of an ancient cultural custom in areas of South Africa. Now, many of these young brides are finding refuge in local care centers.

Please visit IJM.org to learn how you can help combat modern-day slavery.