Cosmo Dare: Do Your Part To Stop Sex Trafficking

It's easy to get caught up in our own lives, what with school, work, and relationships filling up nearly all our time. But, as we go about primping and prepping for our daily errands, there are grave issues like sexual abuse and human trafficking that actually deserve our attention and concern. Good news is, there's something you can do to help.

The issue: Human trafficking. The annual selling of over 1.2 million children and young people is, according to the United Nations, the fastest-growing criminal industry. And what brings the problem even closer to home is the fact that the Philippines is ranked fourth in the world with the highest number of prostituted children.

What you can do: We can't just sit idly by as these atrocities take place. We can support brands and products that have actually taken steps to solve the issue, like international cosmetics brand The Body Shop. Two years ago, they launched a movement called "Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People." Working alongside ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes), they released a petition, as well as products (Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream and Stop Sex Trafficking Bag) whose proceeds go to raising awareness of the issue.

So what can you do? Make the effort to sign the petition either in the store or online.  You can also continue to purchase the campaign products, both to show your support and contribute to the cause.

Since its inception, the campaign has rallied support in more than 40 countries. The hand cream is sold globally every 30 seconds and has raised more than P70 million for the charity. In the Philippines alone, more than 400,000 people have signed the petition. Last August 3, The Body Shop and ECPAT called on President Noynoy Aquino to implement strict anti-trafficking policies and legislation, and dedicate more resources to help victims of trafficking. On a wider scale, they hope to collect even more signatures to be presented to the United Nations next year.

Take a few minutes of your day to do this act for humanity, Cosmo chicks. By being discerning with the products you use and the companies you support, you can truly make a concrete difference in the lives of countless young people and women everywhere.

UPDATE: Launch the gallery to see handprints drawn by celebrities like Robert Pattinson, Rob Lowe, Naomi Campbell, Sienna Miller, and Yoko Ono in support of The Body Shop and ECPAT's anti-sex trafficking campaign.