Somaly Mam To Speak at Newark Peace Education Summit Alongside His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Apr 12, 2011

Somaly Mam will speak at the Newark Peace Education Summit alongside Nobel Peace Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama; Shirin Ebadi, the Iranian human rights advocate; and Jody Williams, the American anti-landmine activist, among others in a panel discussion addressing the subject of "Peace in the Home."

Sold into sexual slavery by a man who posed as her grandfather, Somaly was forced to work in a brothel, brutally tortured and raped on a daily basis. After years of abuse, Somaly heroically escaped her captors and has since dedicated her life to saving victims and empowering survivors. In 1996, Somaly established a Cambodian non-governmental organization called AFESIP (Agir Pour les Femmes en Situation Precaire), which employs a holistic approach that ensures victims not only escape their plight, but have the emotional and economic strength to face the future with hope.

Following the panel discussion, Somaly will lead a workshop highlighting both domestic and international trafficking and showcase various means of engaging in the fight to combat this global crime. She will be joined by Bill Livermore, CEO and Executive Director of the Somaly Mam Foundation, and Sina Vann, a former sex slave who now leads Voices for Change.

The Newark Peace Education Summit examines how individuals, communities, and nations can build foundations for peaceful societies. Inspired by the teachings and practices of peace leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, the Newark Peace Education Summit will highlight peacemaking as a way for individuals, communities, and nations to resolve conflicts and problems.

Through panels and workshops, the summit will present Nobel Laureates, civic leaders, organizations, scholars, and activists from around the globe who have used peace and nonviolence to educate youth, to create safer neighborhoods, and build more satisfying lives for countless people. Mayor Cory Booker and the City of Newark will host the summit, which is being convened by Tibet House US and The Drew A. Katz Foundation.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.newarkpeace.org

Contact: Sara Rosen
E-mail: Sara.rosen@gsmltd.net
Phone: 212.907.6408

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Somaly Mam

“I’ve committed my life to fighting this horrible scourge on humanity. Seeing innocent young women and children whose lives have been forever scarred leaves no doubt that they need a champion who is willing to invest all their time and energy towards eradicating the shameful practice of human trafficking. I cannot wage this fight alone and call upon anyone who cares about the innocent victims to donate their time, money and advocacy to this important cause. Each contribution means everything to the victims and know that I will be forever grateful for those who help make such an important difference.”

Ashley Rickards

“While I was already aware of the modern-day slavery issue when I bought The Road of Lost Innocence, as to how large this sadistic industry is or how severe the violence can be, I had no idea. I admire Somaly Mam's courage in making sure that the tragedy she endured so bravely does not touch anyone else.”

Emmanuelle Chriqui

"I have known about human trafficking peripherally for some time, but it wasn't until I read 'The Road Of Lost Innocence' that I could no longer ignore this heinous crime occurring in too many places. Somaly is truly the voice of strength, courage and compassion; she has dedicated her life to rehabilitating the lives of these innocent victims, after the horrors she has lived through, she is not only astonishing but also beyond inspirational. If you have not read her story, read it, then pass it on. There is no action too small. Whatever you can give to support Somaly’s foundation, and do to bring awareness to this horrible epidemic, feel good in knowing that it will make a difference.”

Daryl Hannah

“Sexual slavery is a catastrophic crime that claims victims that are as young as 5 and doesn't discriminate according to gender. Seeing these victims moved me to tears and led me to dedicate myself to fighting this horrible crime. While I have lent my voice and countless resources to the cause, it’s imperative that we receive some vital support from others who agree that this must come to an end. Please consider contributing to Somaly’s foundation and know that every donation makes a vital difference.”

Laurie Holden

"Somaly is a modern day heroine who has turned her own horror story of victimization into one that is both profound and inspirational. She fearlessly challenges the system, raiding brothels and rescuing thousands of young women and children from evil sexual predators. She is relentless in her dedication to love and empowerment, restoring dignity to the life of each and every person she saves."

Petra Nemcova

“This horrible crime plagues humanity and claims so many victims each year. There is no easy solution – only a monumental battle fought each day by courageous heroes like Somaly Mam. Each of us can make an important difference by giving whatever amount we can afford to give. $5, $10 and $20 goes a long ways towards helping rehabilitate a victim and put them back on a track towards a more normal life. I call upon each of you to do whatever you can to help Somaly fight this important battle by giving freely of your time, money and voice”

Ron Livingston

“The sexual trafficking and slavery of children is one of those evils that most of us are either too squeamish to acknowledge, too cowardly to challenge, or too comfortable to address. Somaly Mam is none of those things. She is one of the true bonafide heroines of our time, and is making a real difference in the lives of real children. I urge each of you to give freely and generously to this very worthy cause. Every contribution helps to make a difference.”

Susan Sarandon

“Human trafficking is a vicious crime that claims so many innocent victims each year. To see young innocent children forced into a life of sexual slavery is something that is so profoundly sad that one cannot help but want to do everything in their power to put an end to this crime that is so easily ignored. I have been personally inspired by the work of Somaly Mam and I encourage anyone who can devote time and money to help Somaly continue to make a difference in this world. Please give unselfishly to this vital cause and take great pleasure in knowing that there is no more important mission that helping the victims forge a new life.”

Veronica Varekova

“When I first learned about Somaly Mam’s work I was so moved by the courage that this woman displays each day that I couldn’t help but want to be involved in helping her fight this battle. To see the young children that she’s saved from the shackles of sexual slavery is something that cannot help but bring joy to those that support her work. I encourage anyone that can to give selflessly to this very important cause and make a difference in the life of so many innocent young victims.”

Voices For Change

"My dream is that in 10 years, 90% of the Somaly Mam Foundation and shelter-partner staff will be comprised of survivors of sexual slavery.” – Somaly Mam

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Somaly Mam To Speak at Newark Peace Education Summit Alongside His Holiness The Dalai Lama

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