MTV's fight against human trafficking via the EXIT campaign

MTV has launched a new Asia-wide campaign aimed at raising awareness of human trafficking and teaching young people how to avoid becoming victims of what is in reality, modern-day slavery. Throughout Asia, in countries such as Nepal, the Philippines, Laos, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, MTV’s EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) campaign is spreading its message of awareness and education through pop culture media.

Bangkok and London-based Simon Goff, EXIT's campaign director, spoke about MTV’s efforts.

CNNGo: Why did MTV decide to take on this issue?

Young men and women, MTV’s core demographic, are the most vulnerable to trafficking and so we are uniquely positioned to have a valuable positive effect on this issue. We aim to inspire all audiences to take action against this form of modern-day slavery.

CNNGo: What Asian celebrities are taking part in the campaign?

Rain of Korea. Ananda Everingham and Thaitanium from Thailand. Hong Kong’s Karen Mok. Zhang Hanyu and Yuan Quan from China. Su You Peng from Taiwan. Christian Bautista and Bamboo from the Philippines. Cells from Laos. Nima Rumba and Malvika Subba from Nepal. And former Miss Universe, Lara Dutta of India. Not to forget Lucy Liu, Radiohead, The Killers and Placebo.

CNNGo: How can viewers get involved?

At an MTV EXIT concert in the border region of Nepal our messages will typically be about safe migration and providing information to people about how to recognize the signs of trafficking and to protect themselves and others from this cruel trade in human beings. On another level, a young person in Japan or Taiwan who is not at risk of being trafficked can get involved in a number of ways, including joining a local anti-trafficking group, monitoring what the local government is doing to combat trafficking and lobbying their representatives to take a stronger stance, and consuming ethically. For more tips on what people can do to join the fight they can go to our website www.mtvexit.org.

CNNGo: Is human trafficking worse in Asia than in other parts of the world?

The United Nations estimates that at any one point in time there are 12.5 million people in forced labor and 2.5 million of these are as a result of being trafficked. Over half of these victims are in Asia and the Pacific, so the issue is widespread. However, this is a global issue and in the case of labor trafficking there are victims in Asia being exploited in industries that supply goods to consumers around the world. So although it is important to pinpoint areas of high prevalence of trafficking, we are all connected to this issue and need to take responsibility for our actions.

CNNGo: How do victims participate in the campaign?

The participation of victims in the campaign is incredibly important. This predominantly takes the form of their involvement in the production of the media materials of the campaign. It takes a lot of courage for victims to take part in a documentary film or otherwise to share their stories. These stories are the cornerstone of our campaign and are incredibly impactful with respect to raising people’s awareness, improving attitudes and changing behavior.

Upcoming MTV EXIT campaign events

 

MTV EXIT Live in Taipei, Huashan Creative Park, Taipei, Taiwan. November 7, 2009. Free
Artists: Rachel Liang, Landy Wen, Evan Yo, Abin, Color, Cosmos People, Mary Shie

MTV EXIT Live in Khaoshiung, HanShin Arena Square, Khaoshiung, Taiwan. November 14, 2009. Free
Artists: Rachel Liang, Ring, Evan Yo, Abin, Cosmos People, Dennis Sun,

 

 

MTV EXIT Live in Davao, SM Mall, Davao, Philippines. November 21, 2009. Free
Artists: TBA

 

 

 

 

Future events are planned in Vietnam and Indonesia. Log on to www.mtvexit.org for more information.