Sandton non-profit calls for community, collaboration and education to help combat human trafficking.
This National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (11 January) the Hope to Heal Foundation urged society and businesses alike to play their part in the fight against modern-day slavery.
Founder Seema Naidoo said that as a community we must all educate ourselves and the people around us in order to raise awareness and combat this scourge. “Trafficking awareness day seeks to end slavery, restore rights of individuals and to make the world a safer place for all.”
Over the years, the foundation has worked alongside the community and sponsors to fight for a life for women and children that is free from violence and abuse.
According to Naidoo, Covid-19 and the lockdown in particular has opened a ‘breeding ground’ for criminals, leaving many vulnerable individuals at an even greater risk of being exploited for profit. “We have detected a rise in trafficking cases since the lockdown whereby refugees in various countries are falling victims of trafficking – children are exploited into forced labour and young women into sexual exploitation.”
According to A21, a global organisation solely committed to fighting human trafficking, human trafficking can present itself in many different ways which is why the power of information is so important.
The organisation offers various educational resources for parents, teachers, community and organisation leaders, and students who are passionate about helping others and eager to start the conversation. Topics range from online child safety, digital safety resources and a safe employment guide.
“No one person can do everything but every one of us can do something,” said A21 advocate and co-founder Christine Caine
Naidoo emphasises that communities continue to play a vital role in combatting human trafficking by reporting suspicious behaviour. “Play your part to bring an end to modern-day slavery and to give hope to the millions who are trapped against their will and under forced lockdown.
“I would like to call on every nation, every community and every individual to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. Report crimes or suspicious behaviours, let us declare as one that slavery has no place in our communities and this world.”
In doing its part, the foundation is set to kick off its Action for Freedom fundraising project this year.
“Hope to heal is the first point of contact for victims and survivors of human trafficking, playing a crucial role before cases are handed over for investigation. With the rise in human trafficking, we need your support now more than ever,” concluded Naidoo.
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