ATEST Applauds Inclusion of Human Trafficking Survivor at Democratic National Convention
Download PDFFor Release: July 26, 2016
The Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST) applauds the inclusion of human trafficking survivor and advocate Ima Matul as a speaker at the U.S. Democratic National Convention this week. Matul, a survivor coordinator for ATEST coalition member the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST), is a fierce advocate for survivors of trafficking, and for stronger U.S. policies to prevent and end modern slavery in all of its forms.
“We are pleased that the issue of human trafficking is at center stage during this week’s convention. We hope that Ima Matul’s words will inspire Americans to learn more about modern slavery and to press for better policies to prevent human trafficking and support survivors of this horrendous human rights crime,” said Kristen Abrams, acting director of ATEST.
As a survivor coordinator with the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST), Ima has been an outspoken advocate for survivor-centered legislation on the issue of human trafficking. She was recognized by President Barack Obama as a hero in today’s abolitionist movement and this year the president appointed Ima to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking.
“Ima has worked tirelessly to support survivors of human trafficking and to raise awareness of the many men and women who are lured to the United States with promises of legitimate employment, then trapped in forced labor situations. While many Americans are aware of sex trafficking, they need to know that thousands of people are also trafficked into the United States each year to work in our farm fields, factories, restaurants, hotels, nail salons, and more,” said Abrams. “ATEST is pleased to see human trafficking take the stage at such a prominent event and hopes this is the beginning of continued attention and discourse about this problem from all political parties.”
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The Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking is a U.S.-based coalition that advocates for solutions to prevent and end all forms of human trafficking and modern slavery around the world. ATEST member organizations include: Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST), Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), ECPAT-USA, Free the Slaves, Futures Without Violence (FUTURES), International Justice Mission, National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), National Network for Youth (NN4Y), Polaris, Safe Horizon, Solidarity Center, Verité, and Vital Voices Global Partnership. ATEST is supported by Humanity United and Humanity United Action. Learn more at endslaveryandtrafficking.org
For more information about Ima Matul and CAST visit castla.org