Advocates, Public Officials, and Survivors of Human Trafficking Call for Urgent Protections for Workers During LAs Post-Fire Recovery
Summary
It is imperative that we reduce the risk of trafficking by addressing the sudden economic hardship, job losses, housing instability, and worsening living conditions that make individuals more susceptible to forced labor and exploitation. When bad actors violate this standard, we will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”Rose Basmadzhyan, Esq., Deputy Director, LA County Department of Consumer & Business Affairs, Office of Labor Equity"Evidence Based Data clearly shows the link between human trafficking and natural disasters. "Stephanie Richard, Director, Loyola Law School, Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative“As Los Angeles struggles to rebuild from the devastating wildfires, let it be an equitable and just recovery whereby we avoid the pitfall of building as quickly as possible and not ensure checks on environmental and labor protections. We are committed to strong prevention measures now and a resilient response framework for the future as we work through the County’s Office of Labor Equity and our regional partners.”Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor for the 2nd DistrictPress Conference Organizers and Media ContactsThai Community Development CenterThe mission of Thai CDC is to advance the social and economic well-being of low- and moderate-income Thais and other ethnic communities in the greater Los Angeles area through a broad and comprehensive community development strategy including human rights advocacy, affordable housing, access to healthcare, promotion of small businesses, neighborhood empowerment, and social enterprises.Media Contact: Chancee Martorell, Executive Director | chancee@thaicdc.orgAsian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Equity AllianceAAPI Equity Alliance is a coalition of over 40 community-based organizations serving the diverse needs of the 1.6 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles County and beyond. This includes investigating consumer fraud complaints, enforcing the County’s minimum wage, tenant and worker protections, and providing access to justice programs.