MTV Networks, USAID Look to Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking

BANGKOK/HONG
KONG/SINGAPORE, November 3: MTV Networks in Asia, the MTV Europe Foundation and
the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are teaming for a range
of events and concerts across Asia to raise awareness and increase prevention
of human trafficking.

The
new initiative, which kicks off in Cambodia, includes four events featuring
well-known local and international artists, with anti-trafficking organizations
and government agencies distributing information about exploitation and human
trafficking. A highlight of the Cambodian campaign will be a concert held at
Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, on December 7, featuring the U.S.
band The Click Five, among other artists. The Cambodian series of events wraps
December 12 in Phnom Penh in recognition of Cambodia’s National Day to Combat
Human Trafficking.

The
initiative is part of the MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) campaign,
which will produce a range of TV programs from the Cambodian concert for
broadcast in Cambodia and on MTV channels internationally. In addition to
performances, the programs will feature interviews with the bands, NGOs and
other activists about the dangers of trafficking, as well as clips from MTV
EXIT’s other anti-trafficking programming, including documentaries, animated
works and short films. MTV EXIT television programming is offered free of
charge to all broadcasters and organizations.

"MTV
EXIT is fully aware that through broadcast on MTV, further broadcast on
national terrestrial broadcasters, and distribution through NGOs, our messages
will be seen by youth and adults from diverse social groups," said Simon
Goff, the campaign director of MTV EXIT. "With these upcoming
on-the-ground events, MTV EXIT is using the power of live music to educate
youth across the region about human trafficking. The Cambodia live concert tour
is a vital focal point in the wider education of those people most at
risk."

Six
additional events and tours are planned for other Asian nations next year.

—By
Mansha Daswani