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Global Petition for International Day Against Trafficking in Women

The Israeli Coalition Against Trafficking in Women

18 September, 2005

UNODC Headquarters
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Vienna International Centre
PO Box 500
A-1400 Vienna
Austria

We are writing this letter on behalf of the Israeli Coalition Against Trafficking in Women. The Coalition was established in 1997 and is comprised of a number of human-rights organizations and private individuals who are working together to eradicate the phenomenon of trafficking in women and to care for the women who have been trafficked into the sex industry in Israel. The Coalition believes it is the responsibility of the State of Israel to take care of the victims of such trafficking and see to their initial rehabilitation and recuperation after their terrible experience in the country.

This letter is to formally request that the United Nations declare August 16th "International Day Against Trafficking of Women." August 16th is a symbolic and tragic day in the story of trafficked women. Five years ago, on this day, an Israeli brothel was set on fire and four women who were locked in it were burned alive. We believe the memory of these women should serve as a reminder of the tragedy that befalls all women who are forced into the life of prostitution. If their memory can be used as an impetus for change, then perhaps their senseless deaths and tragic lives will not have been in vain.

The trafficking in women has been a plague on Israeli society and unfortunately much of the world. Most of the women sold into Israel's modern day slavery are from the former Soviet states. Some are aware that they will be working as prostitutes when they come here; many are not. They are forced to work in brothels for almost no wages in order to one day buy back their freedom. Their fate when they return to their homeland may be as bad as their ordeal in Israel, especially if they choose to cooperate with authorities against their captors, who are often connected with organized crime and retain strong ties to the former USSR.

Our principal goal is to influence the state to do all in her power to act against trafficking in women and help the victims of trafficking.

With the help of the United Nations, we hope August 16th can become a day of hope and increased awareness of the plight of too many of the world's women. The trafficking of women is an international problem and it can only be eradicated with international support and cooperation. It is our hope that this International Day will bring an end to this crime against women.

Sincerely,

We are sending to you our petition to the United Nations requesting that August 16th will be declared an UN International Day Against Trafficking in Women, dedicated to the suffering of women in the sex industry. If you are interested in joining us in this effort, please sign the petition by enclosing your details at the bottom and send it to the address indicated in the letter, or send it back to: Coalition@barak.net.il.

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