Pop-star and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Ricky Martin, second from right, gestures as he addresses the House International Relations Committee hearing on human trafficking, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006 on Capitol Hill in Washington. From left are, Del. Luis Fortuno, R-P.R., left, Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., Martin and John Miller, director of the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. (AP Photo/Chris Greenberg) (Chris Greenberg - AP)

Ricky Martin visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday to talk to lawmakers about human trafficking, which he called "horrendous."

The 34-year-old Puerto Rican pop star's nonprofit Ricky Martin Foundation aims to prevent the exploitation of children. One of the foundation's programs, People for Children, works toward the elimination of human trafficking, especially trafficking of children.

The program was launched when Martin encountered three Indian girls living on the street. Martin thought they were "maybe days away from being sold into prostitution," according to his testimony before the House International Relations Committee.

Martin has also served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nation's children's organization, UNICEF.

He is best known to U.S. audiences for his dance hit "Livin' la Vida Loca," and he is considered one of the most successful Latin music crossover acts.