You don’t hear North Dakota associated with human trafficking often, but the reality is human trafficking touches all 50 states of the United States, and North Dakota is no exception. Though the Attorney General of North Dakota advises that human trafficking and sex trafficking is not a North Dakota issue, as with all border states, the potential for transit of those being moved to or from the United States is real, and while the frequency may be low, the victimization is the same. In January 2009, KFYR-TV in Bismark, ND carried this piece concerning the human trafficking of individuals into forced labor condition – these illegal immigrants were from India, and they were victimized. The piece discusses the then pending legislation from within the North Dakota House of Representatives and Senate addressing both sex trafficking and the forced labor of persons. Subsequently the combined bill was passed in August 2009 and North Dakota created and enacted a new chapter, 12.1 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to human trafficking.
Here is a short, 11 minute piece of CBS reporter’s Hannah Storm’s interview of David Bastone, author of “Not for Sale” during which Bastone speaks to the issue trafficking of people in both large and small cities throughout the United States:
While it would appear the documented cases of children being trafficked in North Dakota are at or near zero, as detailed by Bastone, parents/guardians must remain vigilant and engaged with their charges. Keeping our children safe is our societal collective responsibility.
Thank you for your time.
All the best,
Christopher
Links:
Not For Sale Organization: Main Page
Human Trafficking: Children as a Commodity
Human Trafficking: Children in Southeastern US (FL, GA, AL)
Human Trafficking: Children in Nevada
Human Trafficking: Children in Texas
