There are many complexities in regard to prostitution, the sex trade and human sex trafficking. And, there are differing opinions, approaches, and solutions, both legally and socially. But in every place, at every time, this basic truth remains: at its core, the sex trade operates on the basis of supply and demand. If somehow we could address and eliminate the demand for the purchase of women, children and men’s bodies for sexual purposes, the sex trade would fall apart.
There is a well known correlation between major world sporting events and human trafficking. Quite simply, an influx of athletes, revelers and tourists corresponds with an increased demand for the purchase of sexual services. In order to meet the demand, gangs, pimps, organized crime and other opportunists traffic primarily women in to the event – from within and without the host country.
This was true with the 2006 World Cup in Germany and the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece. More recently, there were reports of a spike in the presence of underage prostitutes in Miami leading up to and during the 44th Super Bowl.
Beginning today, with what are sure to be spectacular, pride-filled and pride-inspiring opening ceremonies, Canada will host the 21st Winter Olympic Games. Is there any reason to believe things will be any different for the Olympic Games here in Canada?
Unfortunately, no.
Since Vancouver won the bid for the games, there have been ongoing efforts by a number of faith-based and civil society coalitions, campaigns by The Salvation Army, and by groups such as REED (resist exploitation, embrace dignity) and Buying Sex is Not a Sport to raise awareness ahead of the Olympics, to call on the government to take measures to ensure we don’t see this happen on our own soil, on our watch. In April 2009 the EFC issued Human Trafficking: A Report on Modern Day Slavery in Canada, urging increased vigilance leading up to the Games.
But earlier this week, the Citizens Summit Against Sex Slavery, a coalition of women’s groups, academics and politicians, gave the Vancouver Olympic organizing committee, the B.C. government and the federal government an “F” for failing to make sure women and youth are secure against human trafficking during the 2010 Olympics.
One article from the Montreal Gazette cited a Vancouver police official as saying that there were no plans to deviate from or alter their usual enforcement around street-related prostitution during the Games.
This ‘see no evil’ approach is shocking, and deeply disappointing.
The good news – if there is any to this – is that groups who are aware and informed are on the ground in Vancouver, with their eyes wide open. As a result of their good work, a number of young women trafficked to Vancouver have already been rescued. The bad news is there are countless others who are still out there.
Let’s be in prayer for groups like REED, Buying Sex is Not a Sport, and The Salvation Army, as they serve as watchmen for the vulnerable and exploited, searching out the victims of this officially unseen evil.
And let’s also pray for the young women and men who have found themselves dropped on Vancouver’s doorstep, indentured to modern day slave owners, that they would find help, or be found, and removed from harm’s way.