For Immediate Release
October 20, 2004

Entertainer and the U.S. Join to Fight Exploitation of Children
Fact of the Day

Pop singer Ricky Martin is joining the U.S. Department of State's effort to end worldwide trafficking in children. Martin has established a foundation that advocates children's rights. He will be the featured speaker at an event designed to bring international attention to child exploitation and to encourage governments to take measures against human trafficking and child sex tourism. An estimated 2 million children are enslaved in the commercial sex trade every year. By drawing attention to the issue, the United States hopes the international community will continue the fight to end this form of modern-day slavery.

Source: U.S. Department of State