UN, MTV launch campaign against human trafficking in Latin America

[News_Editor]

UN, MTV launch campaign against human trafficking in Latin America

2011-11-23 22:08:17 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has launched a joint campaign with the MTV network to raise awareness about human trafficking and the exploitation of youth in Latin America.

The campaign 'MTV EXIT', which stands for End Exploitation and Trafficking, features a documentary and a song by Calle 13, a 19-time Grammy award-winning band. The campaign also includes mass media broadcasts, online initiatives and local events and activities with young people.

"Increasingly adolescents and young people are vulnerable to being trafficked and exploited in the region. We can reduce the risks they are exposed to if we provide them with the necessary education and tools to protect themselves," said UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Bernt Aasen, at the launch this week.

The documentary 'Invisible Slaves' - hosted by two of Calle 13's members, Residente and Visitante - addresses how this issue is affecting the continent and includes interviews with young people who have been affected by trafficking and exploitation. The band is the latest to join a list of celebrities who have collaborated with MTV EXIT, including actors Angelina Jolie and Jared Leto and the bands Radiohead and Muse.

According to UNICEF, at least 550,000 children, adolescents and youth have become victims of trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean. They are often forced into unsafe sexual practices and drug use.

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