For Counter-Trafficking Expert Matt Friedman, Sex-Trafficking is Slavery

The World

Matt Friedman fights sex-trafficking in Asia. He calls it “slavery.”

Friedman worked with various UN agencies tackling the issue, and is now with the counter-trafficking organization Liberty Asia.

After encountering first-hand trafficked victims on the streets of Nepal as a public health officer, Matt Friedman dedicated the next 20 years to anti-trafficking activism and fundraising.

He’s based in Bangkok.

He delivered a Ted Talk in 2012 on the issue of sex trafficking, and told the audience how he decided to become an activist.

He says many girls kidnapped for sex-trafficking come from impoverished areas, and are taken to neighboring foreign countries where they won’t know anyone, and won’t speak the language

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