Representatives from the United Nations have asked Ameesha Patel to give a speech on the eradication of human trafficking in South Asia, on October 10, in Delhi.

Says Ameesha, “They approached me and asked me to be involved in their project.” She elaborates further, “I am their spokesperson for the section that deals with drugs and crime, headed under UNODC, which deals with the problems that come with human trafficking. I will be addressing those issues.”

Horrified

The actress explains, “The subject deals with labour, exploitation of women and children sexually and physically, people from across the borders are being sold into prostitution as slaves and domestic helps, young boys are sold into construction work, industries as cheap labour and the Middle East where they work as camel boys.”

When Ameesha first read about human trafficking, she was horrified and depressed. “They gave me lots of brochures and I was appalled at the facts and figures. It was shocking to learn that the money earned through sexual exploitation exceeds drug trafficking. Total money earned on sexual exploitation comes to almost 7 billion dollars a year.

Ameesha will be giving a speech along with Oscar Fernandes and Renuka Choudhury. Life has come full circle for Ameesha. “In University, one of my subjects was political science. They had special schools of law and diplomacy classes from UN and it was assumed that I would serve the UN after I graduated. I am very honoured and proud that I am doing my bit for it.”

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