Redacted

The piece contains references to human trafficking and the criminal system.

Redacted

By Dr. Hoda Amer (she/her)

Image credit: Hoda Amer, used with permission

In Redacted I attempt to capture the struggles and plight of human trafficking victims and survivors. Lady Justice stands at the centre; her hair is made of black and white figures, stars, and Yin-Yang symbols, representing Justice's clarity and duality. The blindfold signifies impartiality but is imperfect, with blinders and slits, showing that bias remains within the court systems. The left scale of justice is tangled in cobwebs, reflecting the justice system's complexity and delays, while the right scale, smaller and adorned with rays and butterfly-like figures, suggests that hope is real but distant and just out of reach. Below, victims appear stone-like, chained and withdrawn. Black boxes beside each survivor represent ‘redaction’, highlighting their obscured identities and societal invisibility. Small dark figures with wings surround the victims with their embrace, symbolising healing and inner resilience. A few of the drawn figures reach above to Lady Justice’s hair- they enter the system seeking reform and justice and for all.

Dr. Hoda Z. M. Amer is an Egyptian American pathologist, writer, and aspiring artist. She has a special interest in women's health, about which she has given lectures, organised conferences, and written essays. Her website is www.drhodaamer.com

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