UNODC’s Artists United Against Human Trafficking (#ArtistsUNitedXHumanTrafficking) initiative
By Dr. Laura Wilhelm
West Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 1/13/16 -Sammy Chand, Executive Producer of the Rukus Avenue “Music To Inspire” series, has announced a new album created in partnership with the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund. “Music To Inspire–Artists UNited Against Human Trafficking” will officially be released at an evening gala event held at the UN Headquarters in New York City scheduled for Tuesday, January 31st, 2017.
Proceeds from the album will benefit the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons managed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Over 40 renowned musical artists and dignitaries from around the world have collaborated in the collective fight to end human trafficking.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner speaks at a media conference about human trafficking issues
Some of the participants include Academy and Grammy award winner A. R. Rahman; several artists signed to 28-time Grammy winner Quincy Jones; Daryl Hall & John Oates; and Bollywood music legend Sony Nigam, among others. They are joined by former US President Jimmy Carter.
Previously on December 7th, 2016, Rukus Avenue released “Act To Change–Music To Inspire,” a historic album in collaboration with The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama appeared along with over 20 acclaimed Asian American musicians as well as Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, “Star Trek” actor George Takei, “30 Rock” actor Maulik Pancholy, basketball star Jeremy Lin, and others.
Speaking for Europe’s civil society, Mr. Georges Dassis, President of the EESC, declared: ” 10,000 victims of human trafficking reported every year
“The honor of using our Music To Inspire series for the White House was indeed great, but now we are entering an international stage with the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund,” said Sammy Chand. “We are empowered with one of the most significant collections of artists ever to come together for a charitable cause, and it is our hope that we bring awareness, resources, and an impetus for change to end human trafficking in our world.”
Human trafficking is one of the world’s most profitable crimes. The goal of “Artists UNited Against Human Trafficking” is not only to uplift trafficking victims, but also to bring about social awareness so effective change can be made in afflicted communities.
About Rukus Avenue.
Rukus Avenue was founded in 1996 by Sammy Chand. Its confluence of cultures has had a signature musical expression in America ever since.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner
Rukus Avenue has featured artists throughout its storied history who have been recognized by the New York Times, Smithsonian Museum, BBC, CBS, Fox News and more while its music has been showcased in over 60 different film and television shows from around the world. “Artists UNited Against Human Trafficking” will mark its 22nd release.
