Join us this 30th July to discover the facts behind human trafficking today, and how to get involved to stop this global threat that affects millions worldwide. The United Nations’ International Labour Organization estimate that human traffickers affect an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide.
What does Human Trafficking mean?
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines trafficking as any situation of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, and/or abuse of power.
Human trafficking can include, but does not require, movement. Victims of human trafficking may live in their hometown, attend school and continue being involved in social life. Traffickers target people who have needs, desires or dreams that traffickers offer to fulfill. Some people are more vulnerable due to their greater needs, such as; unstable housing, poverty or long-term unemployment.
How does trafficking happen?
Traffickers can contact people via social media, posting ads for jobs or opportunities, pretending to be a potential partner or friend, often involving false promises of money, education or work.
People often assume that trafficking only happens in ‘hotspots’ or that traffickers work within a greater network of organised crime. While this may be true in some cases, trafficking can happen anywhere and traffickers could be anyone, from employers, friends or family members. Traffickers exploit vulnerabilities including being a child, with children making up 27% of global forced labour.
In some cases, people in trafficking situations don’t identify as victims, since they may have been expertly manipulated and believe they are making a choice or in a legitimate position. Psychological ties can often be as powerful as handcuffs in keeping people chained to situations of exploitation, and there may be relations of dependency on traffickers for money, shelter or support.
The reality of trafficking today
A report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) says forced labor generates $150 billion in illegal profits per year. Two-thirds of that money came from commercial sexual exploitation. Of the estimated 27.6 million trafficked people worldwide
- 77% of all victims are in forced labor
- 23% of all victims are in sex trafficking
- 57% are men and boys
- 43% are women and girls
- Within forced labor
- 33% are women and girls and 67% men and boys
- 73% are adults and 27% are children
There are many reasons why victims might not seek or find support, including; lack of knowledge of their rights, language barriers, lack of documentation, precarious migration situations or a mistrust of legal officials and agencies.
The concept of ‘rescuing’ people from trafficking situations can be misleading and dangerous however. Survivors rescue themselves, as they must recognise the unique challenges of their situation in order to get help and fight to get out.
How is trafficking relevant to The Community Revolution
- Beneficiaries. Women, young people and migrant families are our core beneficiaries, so both the causes, and impacts of trafficking are important to us.
- Gender discrimination and gendered based violence are problems that we try to address (all projects are seen through a gender balanced lens).
- Topical issues such as migration and conflictb. War can be a driver of trafficking (e.g. Ukraine, Sudan etc)
How we can stop human trafficking
- Be a conscious consumer. Find out who may have made your clothes with sites like Responsible Sourcing Tool to discover where forced labour may be hidden in supply chains.
- Stay informed. Websites such as The CNN Freedom Project offer newsletters and regular news to amplify the voices of survivors and hold businesses accountable.
- Share information. Trafficking can happen in multiple and complex ways, share this information with your networks to raise awareness of the issue.
Join our community
Celebrate World Day Against Trafficking with us today. Join our community in standing up for an end to exploitation and forced labor – starting on our doorsteps.
Follow us on social media for updates. Take part in live community engagement sessions, subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed and motivated, and explore ways of contributing to our ongoing projects.