By John C. Bersia Distributed by McClatchy
Tribune News Service
Of all the voiceless people on Earth, I can think of few more unfortunate than the multitudes -- mostly women and children -- who toil as modern-day slaves. They typically suffer cruelty, deprivation of their rights and unspeakable living conditions. And they face only two certainties, both unpleasant: that they will wake up tomorrow to more of the same or die.
Along the way, some -- such as Somaly Mam (http://www.somaly.org/), a Cambodian human-rights activist who was sold into brothel slavery as a child -- essentially die inside. Mam is one of the lucky ones, however, for she managed to escape her tormentors and move to another continent. Others like her who are orphaned as children and shunned easily slip into slavery's shadowy grip and accept their fate. In a perverse sort of way, they have a place, are welcome and find companionship. But their place is grim, their welcome good only so long as they obey and their companionship for sale to customers from around the world.
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