1,200 take steps to raise awareness about human trafficking

Madam Halimah Yacob (second, left) flags off participants at Steps in the Park. Around 1,200 people braved the rain on Saturday morning to take part in a 5km run or walk to raise awareness about human trafficking. -- PHOTO: DARRYL CHAN
Madam Halimah Yacob (second, left) flags off participants at Steps in the Park. Around 1,200 people braved the rain on Saturday morning to take part in a 5km run or walk to raise awareness about human trafficking. -- PHOTO: DARRYL CHAN

Around 1,200 people braved the rain on Saturday morning to take part in a 5km run or walk to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Participants at the Steps In The Park event - organised by anti-trafficking group EmancipAsia - were also invited to sign a pledge to tell others about the cause, and to learn more about the use of slavery around the world.

The Singapore-based non-profit organisation said bonded labour is used in making various goods such as electronics, clothing, and sporting goods.

Speaker of Parliament Madam Halimah addressed the participants, signed the EmancipAsia pledge board, and flagged off the 5km non-competitive event.

Music and dance performances were held after the event alongside an exhibition of artwork about trafficking.

The event was supported by the Government's inter-agency task force against trafficking in persons, and the Anglo-Chinese School (International) Singapore.

Singapore does not currently have a dedicated law to combat human trafficking, although it outlaws the trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation.

It established its inter-agency task force in 2010, and launched a National Plan of Action against trafficking in persons in 2012.

Member of Parliament Christopher de Souza has proposed a Private Member's Bill against human trafficking, and public consultations on what this law should include will continue until April 18.

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