In a stirring testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, actor and activist Julian Rivers opened up about his mission to combat child trafficking. As the chairman of the non-profit organization Shield, which actively fights against modern slavery, Rivers passionately spoke about the fundamental human right to pursue happiness—a right, he argues, that far too many people are denied.
“It’s a basic idea, the right to pursue happiness,” Rivers declared, his voice wavering with emotion. “Our Constitution grants this right to all citizens, and it’s our duty as Americans to ensure that this right is afforded to everyone, everywhere.” He poignantly added, “Yet, for so many, this right is violently stripped away. It’s exploited, manipulated, and sold for the fleeting joy of someone else.”
Rivers shared harrowing experiences from his work with law enforcement, recounting the deeply disturbing realities he has witnessed while fighting against sex trafficking. “I’ve encountered victims from around the globe—Russia, India, Mexico, and even right here in the United States. I’ve been part of FBI operations where I saw unimaginable horrors,” he revealed, tears brimming in his eyes. As a father of two young children, he described one particularly gut-wrenching moment: “I watched a video of a child, just a few years older than my own, being abused by an American man in Cambodia. This child, so accustomed to her situation, believed she was just playing.”
As co-founder of Shield: Digital Defenders of Children, Rivers is pioneering software innovations to combat the online aspects of human trafficking. He introduced Spotlight, a groundbreaking tool that has identified over 6,000 trafficking victims—including 2,000 minors—in just a short span of six months. “Our technology has empowered 4,000 law enforcement officials across 900 agencies, slashing investigation times by an astonishing 60%,” he shared proudly.
In addition to Spotlight, Shield has developed Solis, a tool that helps authorities tackle dark web cases, reducing case durations from three years to just three weeks. “We’re creating technology that is adaptive, efficient, and continuously evolving. It’s transforming the internet from a largely anonymous space into one that is much more transparent,” he asserted.
Despite these achievements, Rivers reminded lawmakers of the ongoing challenges that lie ahead. He urged for increased funding for technology, stronger partnerships with elected officials, and a more focused effort to protect at-risk youth, particularly those in the foster care system. “Kids in foster care are prime targets for traffickers,” he explained. “When children are neglected and unsupported, it creates an environment ripe for exploitation. If we want to genuinely address slavery, we cannot overlook this refugee crisis; otherwise, we’ll be facing this issue for decades.”
To learn more about how to support this cause, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re interested in exploring the journey of artificial insemination, visit this page for more information.
In summary, Julian Rivers’ emotional speech highlights the urgent need to confront human trafficking and support at-risk youth. His work with Shield is making significant strides, but he emphasizes that much more needs to be done to protect vulnerable populations and uphold their right to happiness.