RIMPAC 2014 is in full swing as 22 nations and over 25,000 participants engage in maritime security activities throughout our state. It is good that so many nations are involved in a cooperative effort to promote international safety and security in our region.
Laudable as these efforts may be, though, there is a lingering back issue that needs attention: human trafficking and sexual slavery. Sadly, events such as RIMPAC and major sporting events around the globe bring out the worst of those who exploit vulnerable children through sexual slavery and human trafficking. And, yes, it happens here, in our beloved paradise.
Soroptimists on Oahu and around Hawaii have been in the forefront in addressing this issue for a number of years through legislative advocacy, public education and collaborations with other organizations.
Our governing federation, Soroptimist International of the Americas, has over 35,000 members in the United States, Guam, Saipan, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, the Philippines and South Korea. Our mission is to improve the lives of women and girls in our communities and throughout the world.
A major goal of our international program is to stop trafficking. Educating the public to the realities of this horrific exploitation of young girls is an important part of our work. Many still cling to the view that these children have "chosen" to be so used, but the reality is quite the opposite.
Recent news of the rescue of hundreds of enslaved children around the country are just the tip of the iceberg. The existence and plight of these exploited children, mostly girls, caused many to pause and reflect on how poorly our society views and treats these vulnerable youth.
We also saw Soroptimists in Brazil rally to remind World Cup participants that young girls (and boys) were being trafficked and exploited for the event (as they are for our Super Bowl and other such events).
Meanwhile, on the African continent, Nigerian terrorists brazenly kidnapped hundreds of young girls and boldly stated their intention to put them on the market for "marriage" — human trafficking of the worst kind. Soroptimists in Nigeria stood up and took the front lines demanding action by the Nigerian government.
So, to all of our RIMPAC participants: Mahalo for the magnificent cooperation you are demonstrating to provide security in this fragile Pacific. During your leisure time, we certainly encourage you to enjoy our breathtakingly beautiful islands. However, we Soroptimists urge you to please be mindful and vigilant to ensure that you are not unwittingly contributing to the horrid scourge of human trafficking and sexual slavery.
