Human Trafficking affects 27 million people worldwide and as most victims are unable to escape or are terrified of reporting their captors, it is one of the most insidious hidden crimes of our era. Compounding this issue for the Tampa Bay area is the fact that the state of Florida has emerged as a hub for human trafficking.

Within the last few years, high profile cases of labor trafficking and trafficking for the sex trade have made headlines in the Bay Area, including the June 22nd arrest of a Largo man for felony human trafficking.

Hoping to change this are the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Youth for Human Rights of Florida.

These groups are the co-producers of a fashion show called “Colors of the World.” This fashion show will feature ethical, fair trade and ecofashion. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 16th, from 11am to 2pm and will include refreshments and fashion items to purchase, along with the fashion show.

The event will be held in the remodeled Ybor Square complex at 1300 East 8th Ave, currently home to the Church of Scientology of Tampa.

Tickets are $30 per person and all proceeds will benefit the fight against human trafficking.

The organizers hope that people will take the time to learn about this issue and support fair trade. Fair trade gives growers and manufacturers adequate payment for their products so that those who grow or make the products can earn a living wage.

For more information about the Colors of the World Fashion Show, or to purchase tickets please call (727) 259-8211.

Since 2004, the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking has been educating, advocating and working with law enforcement to end human trafficking in the state of Florida. For more information, please go to www.stophumantrafficking.org.

Educator Mary Shuttleworth founded youth for Human Rights in 2001. The purpose of the group is to popularize the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which includes the right to not be enslaved or tortured. To find out more, please go to www.youthforhumanrights.org.


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