Human trafficking is a terrible crime that affects millions worldwide. It’s a modern form of slavery that has been around for ages, but the internet and global connections have made it easier to hide and harder to stop. Yet, many brave individuals are working to end this horror. You can help too by recognizing the signs in victims, such as looking unhealthy, showing signs of abuse, avoiding eye contact or police, giving scripted answers, or lacking personal ID and belongings.
While this problem seems huge, dedicated people, including well-known celebrities, are fighting back. Here are 10 stars who are making a stand against human trafficking.
10. Ricky Martin: A Voice for the Voiceless in Cambodia and Beyond
When he’s not performing, Ricky Martin takes his humanitarian work very seriously. The famous musician and actor has been a powerful voice against human trafficking. He has partnered with several organizations to bring more attention to this critical issue.
In 2008, he spoke at the Vienna Forum in Cambodia, a region heavily impacted by trafficking. He urged the world, saying, “Human trafficking is a violation of human rights; it has no place in our world, and I beg you to act now.” A year later, in 2009, he testified before the United States Congress, emphasizing the need for stronger laws to combat trafficking. Ricky Martin has also appeared in public service announcements calling for an end to this horrific practice.
9. Angelina Jolie: Championing Women and Exposing Abusers
Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie is a dedicated advocate for victims of human trafficking. She has worked closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the organization.
In 2012, Jolie helped launch the “End Sexual Violence in Conflict” campaign. This initiative aimed to highlight the use of rape as a weapon in wars. In 2014, she co-wrote an article with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, stating, “All violence against women betrays the fundamental promise in the U.N. Charter of equal rights and dignity for women.” Jolie is also known for bravely calling out powerful individuals who abuse women and children, reminding everyone of their duty to protect the vulnerable.
8. Ashton Kutcher: Innovating Technology to Combat Child Exploitation
Actor Ashton Kutcher has shown the world he’s much more than a familiar face on screen. With a high IQ and a background in Biochemical Engineering, the star uses his intellect for humanitarian efforts, particularly in the fight against modern slavery.
Kutcher co-founded Thorn, an organization dedicated to fighting the sexual exploitation of children. In 2012, he testified before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee about the urgent need for action against child sex trafficking. He also produced and narrated a documentary, The Real Menace, on this subject. In 2017, he spoke to the committee again about Spotlight, a tool he helped create. He reported, “In six months, with 25% of our users reporting, we’ve identified over 6,000 trafficking victims, 2,000 of which are minors…and we’re reducing the investigation time by 60%.”
7. Carrie Underwood: Shining a Light with the End It Movement
Country music superstar Carrie Underwood, along with her husband Mike Fisher, actively works to raise awareness about human trafficking. They are often seen with red X’s on their hands, a symbol of their support for the cause.
In 2018, Underwood publicly declared her support for the #enditmovement on Instagram. She wrote, “Together, we’re in it to end it! Help us shine a light on modern day slavery.” Her involvement helps bring this critical issue to her wide fanbase, encouraging more people to learn and get involved.
6. David Beckham: Protecting Children in Need with UNICEF
Former professional soccer player David Beckham uses his global platform to help combat human trafficking through his work with UNICEF. As a Goodwill Ambassador, he is dedicated to making the world safer for children.
In 2010, he participated in a public service announcement for UNICEF that called for an end to child exploitation. Beckham has also traveled to various countries to witness the devastating effects of trafficking firsthand and to meet with survivors. In an article for Newsweek, he wrote, “Every five minutes, somewhere in the world, a child dies from violence. Millions more are in danger of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that could destroy their childhoods forever. Violence is often hidden from view, making children invisible and easy to remain unnoticed.”
5. Julia Ormond: Tackling Slavery in Global Supply Chains
Actress Julia Ormond is the founder of the Alliance to Stop Slavery & End Trafficking (ASSET), an organization committed to eradicating modern slavery. She has also served as an ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and has spoken out against human trafficking numerous times.
Ormond created ASSET in 2007 after witnessing the impact of abuse on children globally. She believes, “It was clear that all of us needed to know that we were purchasing products from supply chains that enable slavery.” Just two years after its founding, ASSET began challenging these supply chains, contributing to regulations that require companies to disclose information about forced labor. In 2012, President Barack Obama honored Ormond with the Freedom Award for her impactful work.
4. Emma Thompson: Revealing the Proximity of Human Trafficking
Acclaimed actress Emma Thompson is a passionate opponent of human trafficking and collaborates with various organizations to raise awareness. In 2008, she shared a powerful story with Newsweek about meeting a young girl who had been enslaved in a massage parlor near her childhood home—a place she passed daily.
This experience made Thompson realize how close to home human trafficking truly is. Reflecting on it, she wrote, “It exists on our own doorsteps, and our lack of action shames us all.” She is committed to making people in developed countries understand that this isn’t a distant problem but one happening in their own communities.
3. Carla Stephens: From Reality TV to Anti-Slavery Crusader
Carla Stephens gained fame through the docu-series Mother Funder, which covers her local PTA in Georgia. She’s using her reality TV recognition for a powerful cause: advocating for human trafficking victims. Stephens founded The A21 Campaign, an organization fighting trafficking and modern-day slavery. She has also served as a Global Ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
She collaborates with other reality TV personalities like Bravo’s Dr. Jackie Walters and Amber Bryant. In an article for The Safe House Project, Stephens expressed, “I am compelled to fight for those that are victimized, the vulnerable, and those that are predisposed to being victimized.”
2. Blake Lively: Protecting Children from Online Predators
Blake Lively is beloved for many reasons, including her iconic roles and charming public persona. But her dedication to fighting child pornography and human trafficking makes her even more admirable. She works closely with the Child Rescue Coalition and its CEO Carly Yoost, aiming to provide law enforcement with the tools needed to tackle this horrific crime.
Having already helped save thousands of children, Lively stated, “If you proactively find these predators, you can save so many children.” In 2010, she recorded a public service announcement for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), calling for an end to the exploitation of women and girls. She continues to use her platform to speak out against trafficking.
1. Reese Witherspoon: Empowering Survivors and Advocating for Change
Academy Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon is a powerful advocate, especially as a survivor of sexual assault herself. She has openly shared her experiences to help protect and empower other women.
Witherspoon has said, “I have my own experiences that have come back to me very vividly, and I found it really hard to sleep, hard to think, hard to communicate.” Despite the trauma, she remains a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. She has chosen roles in shows like Little Fires Everywhere and The Morning Show that address these issues, using her art as a platform for change. Beyond fighting global human trafficking, she also combats domestic violence, working with organizations like Safe Horizons to help victims rebuild their confidence.
These celebrities use their influence to shine a light on the dark corners of human trafficking, inspiring action and supporting vital work to end this global crisis. Their dedication shows that everyone, regardless of their background, can contribute to making the world a safer place.
What are your thoughts on these celebrities’ efforts? Do you know of other public figures fighting this cause? Leave your comment below and join the conversation!
