Words Aren't Enough. Our Response To Recent Events.

In responding to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and, this past weekend, Rayshard Brooks, words fail us. Tragic. Heartbreaking. Both utterly avoidable and yet inevitable. Our nation’s legacy of slavery continues to perpetrate violence against Black and Brown people. It is this same legacy that perpetuates the sale of Black and Brown children for sex, children in need of our protection and support, but who are, too often, dismissed as “child prostitutes.”

ECPAT-USA is outraged and grief-stricken, but words alone are not enough, and we are recommitted to confronting systemic racism while protecting children from sex trafficking and exploitation. Over these past several weeks, the ECPAT-USA team has been reflecting on our own work and engagement with Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). We are asking: Which student receives access to education and information, and which student is punished for “delinquent” behavior? After being recruited into the sex trade, which young person receives supportive services while another is arrested and incarcerated? How can ECPAT-USA confront these racially-driven inequities, engage in dialogue and advocate for policies that advance social justice?

While any child can fall prey to exploitation and abuse, we cannot ignore that the majority of identified victims are people of color. And yet, a scan of social media images for “child sex trafficking” reveals a world in which Black and Brown children are almost entirely erased.

Our questioning extends beyond the scope of our work and outreach: it also guides our ongoing efforts to improve on racial diversity and inclusion for all levels of staffing, including leadership positions and Board recruitment, as well as anti-bias training. It is not enough to say that we are trying to do better: we must be better.

The connection between systemic racism and sex trafficking is real and raw. Since words fail us, ECPAT-USA has turned to our Survivors Council, a diverse group that partners with us to further a shared mission that no child is sexually exploited. In the coming weeks, ECPAT-USA will amplify their voices on how the color of their skin has impacted their experiences as trafficking survivors.

The conversation and action do not end here — in our organization or in our work.

Lori Cohen

Executive Director