Ashley Judd Speaks Out Against Human Trafficking

4-Jun-2008

Written by: E. Van Dril

The actress appeared in front of the United Nations committee.

Ashley Judd spoke out against the unspoken human trafficking that is going on around the world, Tuesday.

She explained at the United Nations that approximately 2.5 million people worldwide (mostly women and children) are trafficked in the world today.

The industry, according to Judd, is worth around $32 billion.

"I know that the unheard are helped when they are heard," the actress said at a press conference afterwards. "I know that compassionate listening helps me, and my goal was to help the U.N. help them."

The way Judd became interested in human trafficking was actually somewhat of an accident when she was promoting public health on a 12-nation tour. During this time, she saw slums, hospices, brothels and other poor medical facilities.

This isn't the only cause the 40-year-old is interested in. She also serves as a global ambassador for YouthAIDS, which is a prevention and education program that attempts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS to young adults across the globe.