Slavery has existed since the beginning of human evolution (CQ Researcher 2010). The Civil War ended slavery in the United States in 1865. Worldwide slavery was prohibited during the late 1920’s. Although slavery is prohibited, millions of victims are forced into captivity. Victims are often kidnapped and forced into a lifetime of servitude and prostitution. Other victims of slavery are lured by the promise of a better life.
These victims are forced into cruel labor and prostitution (CQ Researcher 2010). Many of the victims are young children and women. According to CQ Researcher 2010, slavery is the world’s third largest illegal business and accounts for $12 billion annually. Slavery is evident in the poorest countries such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. However, slavery is also evident in the United States. It is estimated that up to 20,000 people are trafficked into the United States yearly, destined to endure unethical work conditions (CQ Researcher 2010). Many groups and organizations are doing their best to end slavery and sex trafficking. The United States is acknowledging and is assisting in the fight to end slavery. Although the United States authorized the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), critics argue that the law isn’t tough enough. The law monitors what steps countries are taking in their efforts to end slavery. Countries worldwide are required to report their efforts annually to the Unites States. If these countries fail to provide adequate proof that they are working diligently to end slavery then they can be restricted from receiving non-humanitarian aide from the United States (CQ Researcher 2010).
It’s estimated that as many as 900,000 people are trafficked internationally on a yearly basis (CQ Researcher 2010). TVPA gives countries too much time to end slavery. The United States spends millions of dollars in providing