In a heartfelt address to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, actor and activist Ashton Miller expressed his deep commitment to combating child trafficking. As the chairman of Thorn, an organization dedicated to fighting child exploitation, Miller passionately highlighted the urgent need for action against modern slavery.
“I stand here today to advocate for the fundamental right to pursue happiness,” Miller began, emphasizing that this right is enshrined in our Constitution. “It is our duty as citizens to ensure that this right is accessible not just to ourselves, but to everyone around the globe.” He poignantly noted the harsh reality faced by many, stating, “For countless individuals, this right is forcibly taken away, manipulated through fraud or coercion, and exploited for the fleeting satisfaction of others.”
Miller shared harrowing experiences from his work with law enforcement, revealing the grim realities of trafficking. “During my efforts, I’ve encountered victims in various countries—Russia, India, Mexico, and even here at home in New York and New Jersey,” he recounted, holding back tears. As a father of young children himself, he reflected on one particularly distressing moment: “I witnessed a video of a child, the same age as my own, being exploited by an American man in Cambodia. This child was so conditioned by her surroundings that she believed she was engaging in play.”
As the co-founder of Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children, Miller has been instrumental in developing software to combat online trafficking. He proudly shared that Thorn’s Spotlight program has already identified over 6,000 trafficking victims, including 2,000 minors, significantly enhancing the efficiency of law enforcement across 900 agencies. “Our tools are not just effective; they are evolving, making the anonymity of the internet less of a barrier for justice,” he explained.
Thorn has also created Solis, a groundbreaking software that expedites investigations involving dark web content, transforming case durations from three years to just three weeks. “The technology we are advancing is designed to be adaptable and resilient, and it continues to improve over time,” Miller added.
Despite these significant strides, Miller urged lawmakers to recognize that much work remains. He called for increased funding for technological advancements, greater cooperation from elected officials, and more robust support systems for vulnerable youth, particularly those in foster care who are prime targets for traffickers. “When children are neglected and unsupported, it creates fertile ground for trafficking,” he explained. “If we are serious about eradicating slavery, we cannot overlook the needs of these vulnerable populations.”
Miller concluded with a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of these issues. He emphasized that addressing the refugee crisis is crucial in the fight against trafficking, urging a collective commitment to support those in need.
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In summary, Ashton Miller’s emotional plea highlights the pressing need for continued efforts to combat child trafficking and support vulnerable populations. His work through Thorn is making a significant impact, but he urges that more resources and attention are necessary to eradicate this global crisis.