When the U.S., Canada, and Mexico won their unprecedented three-country bid to stage the World Cup, FIFA overhauled its hosting protocols. After a history of extensive human rights abuses at previous World Cups, each 2026 host city was required to submit a human rights strategy. But Stephanie Richard and Paloma Bustos of the Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative at LMU's Loyola Law School have been tracking those anti-trafficking efforts, and most World Cup hosts did not produce strategies of any substance — including LA's plan, which they notably called "not a plan."
Large events do increase human trafficking, but the vast majority of the documented cases are labor trafficking. In fact, there is no empirical data that sex trafficking increases during megaevents, yet sex trafficking is where LA has focused both its sensational "crackdown" reporting and public safety resources — which puts all trafficking survivors at risk. "When you're only focused on law enforcement, these vulnerable communities, whether they're being sex or labor trafficked, don't come forward and are usually harmed by that kind of action," as Stephanie told me earlier this year. Stephanie and Paloma will share what's actually happening on the ground, their detailed prevention recommendations for LA, and ideas for what effective public messaging looks like. And we'll hear how properly funding a human rights prevention plan for major events now — ideally through the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission — will set LA up for success in the Super Bowl and Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
Take a timeout from soccer and join this essential discussion.
Torched Talks with anti-trafficking advocates Stephanie Richard and Paloma Bustos Monday, June 29 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. PT
🎤 Torched Talks is an ongoing series of conversations with experts on topics facing LA in its megaevent era. It's free and open to all — simply join the Zoom to participate. If you can't make it, I'll post the recording here when it's over. Watch the latest Torched Talks with Jessica Meaney — that C-I-P! is headed to your ballot this November
⚽ Read my first and second World Cup dispatches plus an update on LA's parks fundingandmy guide to everything going on. I want to hear about your favorite celebratory urbanism spots! Reply to this email with a photo and description, or text: 323 207 5607‬ — save it in your phone as Torched Tips — or Signal: awalkerinla.99
