July 30th marks the United Nations-designated World Day Against Trafficking In Persons. According to the UN, every year, thousands of women, men, and children fall into the hands of traffickers “for sexual exploitation, forced labor, forced begging, forced marriage; for selling children and as child soldiers, as well as for removal of organs”–most within their own countries’ borders. There’s no easy answer for how to stop human trafficking–but there are plenty of ways to help.
The numbers are sobering: Women make up 49 percent of trafficking victims and girls, 23 percent. Modern-day slavery is, unfortunately, alive and well today. That’s why the UN, and nonprofit organizations like A21 and Polaris, are dedicated to bringing awareness to the issue of human trafficking–and restoring freedom to those trapped in bondage. We chatted with A21’s Aundrea Morales and Elaine McCartin, of Polaris, to hear how we all can join the fight.
1. Educate yourself–and your community.
“There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about human trafficking,” says McCartin, “The first and most important thing folks can do is educate themselves about what human trafficking really is–and isn’t.” Both Polaris and A21 offer great resources for learning how human trafficking happens, how to recognize it, and how to educate others. A21’s awareness campaign Can You See Me? also aims to teach the general public to recognize indicators of human trafficking.
2. If you suspect human trafficking, report it.
“An increase in reports will lead to an increase in victim identification,” says Morales. So where does one report human trafficking? You can call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s toll-free number: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or report a tip on their CyberTipline. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is also available via toll-free call (1-888-373-7888) or text (BeFree: 233733). Sharing these resources lets victims and survivors know that help is available when and if they decide to reach out.
3. Support community programs.
“Supporting programs and legislation–both locally and nationally–that support healthy families and strong communities, such as homelessness and housing systems, the child welfare system, and more, can help prevent human trafficking before it happens,” says McCartin.
4. Take action from where you are.
Contact your elected officials to advocate for anti-trafficking legislation and/or get involved by joining A21’s Global Freedom Summit. The online event aims to help people “engage in the fight against human trafficking locally, regardless of the Covid-19 related restrictions in any particular location,” according to Morales.
5. Shop and donate.
“With your support, the vulnerable can be protected, victims can be set free, survivors can be restored, and traffickers can be brought to justice,” says Morales. You can, of course, donate monetarily to organizations like A21 and Polaris, but you can also give in other ways, says McCartin, “such as donating hotel rewards points or airline miles that Polaris can use on the National Human Trafficking Hotline to help trafficking survivors along their journeys to recovery.” Another option: Shop from brands that give back. The founders of jewelry label, Bracha, for example, donate 20% of proceeds to strategic partners working to abolish human trafficking.
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