Somaly Mam, Somaly Mam Foundation: "My Fight Against Human Trafficking"
Present by the UCLA Human Rights Law Program, join us for a special one-time only event in which Somaly Mam shares her experiences and her passion for fighting back against human trafficking. Mam will be introduced by Somaly Mam Foundation Board Member, actress and UCLA alumna Laurie Holden. A reception will follow the event.
Wednesday, September 30, 20095:00 PM - 7:00 PM
UCLA School of Law, Room 1357
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Presented by the UCLA School of Law International Human Rights Program, RSVP requested to humanrights@law.ucla.edu.
About Somaly Mam
A native Cambodian, Somaly Mam's family struggled through poverty and limited opportunities during her childhood. Because of this, Somaly was sold into a life of sexual slavery many times by a man who posed as her "grandfather." At a very young age, she was forced to work in a brothel with many other young girls and they were all treated horrifically through torture, manipulation, and scare tactics. Her past fuels her passion to help young children and women who are victims of human trafficking. This work also has brought Somaly enormous international attention, including recognition as a CNN Hero and appearances on television specials featured on CBC, CBS, NBC and MSNBC. Time Magazine recognized her this year as one of the world's 100 Most Influential People. An essay in Time, by Angelina Jolie, noted, "Most people would have walked away. Mam continues to fight back so that others can be spared the pain she once suffered.
About the Somaly Mam Foundation:
The Somaly Mam Foundationis a nonprofit public charity committed to ending modern day slavery around the world.
Human trafficking, a multi-billion dollar industry, is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. With over one million women and children sold into sexual slavery each year, it is a global crisis that must be stopped. More resources are critically needed to support the rescue and rehabilitation of these young victims.
Founded by sexual slavery survivor, Somaly Mam, the foundation supports rescue, shelter and rehabilitation programs across South East Asia, where the trafficking of women and girls, some as young as five, is a widespread practice. The Somaly Mam Foundation also runs global awareness and advocacy campaigns that shed light on the crime of sexual slavery and focus on getting the public and governments involved in the fight to abolish modern day slavery.
Click here to learn more about the Foundation.
Cost : Free
Sponsor(s): Burkle Center for International Relations, The International Human Rights Program (main sponsor), the David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy, The International Human Rights Student Association, the UCLA Journal for International Law and Foreign Affairs, and the UCLA Asia Institute