Bahrain/Gulf: Sex trafficking through the internet

by

My good friend Mohammed, president of the exceptional Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights (BYSHR), has been working tirelessly in exposing one of the methods that people use for sexual exploitation within the Gulf. His growing organization published two reports (1 & 2) about the use of internet to worsen the sexual terrorism within the region. To summarize the problem:

A BAHRAIN human rights group has launched an investigation to unmask the perpetrators behind more than 35 websites offering sex to customers here and in other Gulf countries.

Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights (BYSHR) president Mohammed Al Maskati said they were concerned about women who were being brought here on promises of lawful employment only to find themselves victims of sexual exploitation.

He said women from Europe, Middle East and Asia were being advertised for sex through more than 35 Arabic and English websites.

(Read rest of the report here.)

This morning, Gulf Daily News published another report concerning BYSHR’s efforts, highlighting a fine example of how technology is being used for the exact opposite reason that we are using it for; human rights and awareness:

The Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights is already investigating the perpetrators behind websites that are offering sex to customers here and in other Gulf countries, and now with the same technology it hopes to help solve the problem.

To note the extent of BYSHR’s efforts:

The society also hopes to produce a film exposing sex trafficking in Bahrain.

What are other good ways to spread awareness and influence change? Mohammed hopes to launch a campaign about this; one we should definitely play a role in, as human traficking is an increasing problem that most criminals get away with in our region.

Let us know if anyone is interested in joining these efforts. Something must be done about this, and now!