Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Introduces Resolution Calling for Action on Horrific Libyan Slave Markets
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte introduced Resolution K1362 to the New York State Assembly. The resolution condemned the appalling Libyan slave markets which were the subject of a gripping CNN Special Report last November. The legislative resolution supports the U.S. House of Representatives Resolution 644 introduced by the Honorable Representative Karen Bass.
Since the death of the former ruler of Libya Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, there has been an explosion in the trafficking of African migrants. The border tightening policies of the European Union is exacerbating the situation. Italy, a member of the EU, is often the first point of entry for migrants fleeing the violence and chaos in Libya. Unfortunately, the country made a move to create a new 11 points of conduct. The new laws severely restrict the activities of 9 non-governmental organizations dedicated to assisting migrants fleeing Libya.A study by Amnesty International, titled "Libya's Dark Web" draws a direct line between these harsher border and migration policies and an increase in the auctioning and sale of human beings in Libya.
Despite these damning reports and the efforts of the influential leader Thomas Dexter Jake, also known as Bishop TD Jakes, to raise awareness of the Libyan slave markets via social media, the public remains largely ignorant of the modern-day slave auctions taking place.
"The American people are shockingly uninformed about the human trafficking crisis unfolding in Libya," explained Assemblymember Bichotte "The resolution I am introducing aims to raise public awareness around this crisis."
The resolution calls upon the EU to address its contribution to the human trafficking crisis in Libya.
"When you look at the evidence it is undeniable that the European community is complicit in what is effectively a modern-day slave auction," noted Assemblymember Bichotte.
The Assemblymember's call to action is motivated in no small part by President Donald J Trump's 2017 Executive Order 13769, which lowered refugee admission from 110,000 to 50,000 and suspended the refugee program for 120 days.
"It is truly alarming and depressing that our country decided to turn its back on people fleeing human bondage," lamented Assemblymember Bichotte.
While the resolution strongly condemns the EU, the Libyan government, and the US for the ongoing crisis, it also moves beyond mere rhetoric to delineate real solutions to the problem.
These solutions include a "humane" border control policy for the EU, the removal or redrafting of Italy's 11 points of conduct, and the increase of resettlement placements for those escaping Libya here in the US.
Finally, the resolution calls for the New York State Assembly to provide aid to the refugee and migrant population affected by the Slave Trade and to allocate funds to organizations which assist migrants in Libya.