On this episode of "Deseret Voices," guest host Doug Wilks, executive editor of the Deseret News is joined by Kevin Hyland, the United Kingdom's first independent anti-slavery commissioner, to uncover the complex and often hidden world of modern-day slavery. With over 50 million victims worldwide and an estimated 1 million in the United States alone, the conversation explores why current global efforts are failing to meet the scale of this $236 billion criminal industry.
Key Discussion Topics:
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The Rise of Cyber Fraud Trafficking: How organized gangs in Southeast Asia and Africa kidnap individuals and force them to run online "scam factories" targeting U.S. and U.K.citizens.
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The Funding Gap: A critical look at why the G20 allocates only $1.6 billion to fight trafficking — compared to the trillions spent on terrorism — and Hyland’s call for a $30 billion investment by 2030.
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Sporting Events & Exploitation: Why major sporting events like the World Cup and the 2034 Winter Olympics require years of proactive planning to prevent an influx of human trafficking and forced labor.
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Supply Chain Ethics: The hidden reality of child labor and slavery in the production of everyday items like smartphones, laptops, and car batteries.
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The Role of Faith Communities: How interfaith forums and religious organizations are uniquely positioned to give a voice to the voiceless and provide support for trafficking survivors.
