January is recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month around the globe. The unfortunate truth is that 50 million men, women, and children today are robbed of their freedom and forced into labor, online sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, and more. We know that global champions like you are moved to action when you hear this statistic — and want to make the most impact that you can.
In a world buzzing with technology and information at our fingertips, it’s tempting to Google ‘What are the best charities for human trafficking prevention?’ But what if we told you there’s a more intentional, impactful way to give? Our End Human Trafficking Fund features four vetted, top charities working on human trafficking prevention, rescue operations, and restoration services for survivors. In honor of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, learn about each organization’s work below, and consider supporting all four of them with one donation to our End Human Trafficking Fund.
International Justice Mission (IJM)
International Justice Mission rescues people from human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and violence. They protect survivors so they can thrive without fear and bring their traffickers to justice.
One small boy. One huge lake. Foli was a slave. Immerse yourself in his story.
PACT
Since 1991, PACT has worked to end child sex trafficking through programs involving youth education, private sector engagement, and legislative advocacy.
PACT partners with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) to administer an e-learning program on human trafficking training for all members of staff of participating hotels and hospitality companies. In October 2022, Brad Schumacher, VP of Strategic Partnerships of Encore, who had completed this training, boarded United Airlines flight UA221, and helped to change a life; based on the knowledge about the indicators of human trafficking that he had acquired. Read his testimony below:
“I was boarding an 11pm red eye on my way to attend a conference when I spotted a very confused and scared looking passenger boarding the plane. She was young and extremely anxious when approached by anyone who offered to assist her. After personally trying to communicate in various manners while helping find her seat, there were many signs that made it abundantly clear something was off. After collecting my thoughts for a moment, I knew I had to alert the flight crew. I walked to the cockpit and shared the industry that I worked in and my observations based on training experience.
To no surprise, one of the flight attendants jumped in and said she felt the exact same way. It was at that moment, that things got set into motion. The flight was immediately delayed and United Airlines started to work through their processes. After a while of conversing, they brought a team on and removed the passenger. I anxiously waited to see if she would return. She did not.
After another 30 min or so, they closed the cabin door and we were on our way.
Shortly after we were airborne, the flight attendant summoned me to the front and updated me on the outcome. It was confirmed the woman was being trafficked! Once they were able to speak to her she broke down and admitted everything. Words cannot describe how I felt in that moment.
A big reminder to everyone in the travel/hospitality industry that this stuff is real and happening every day right in front of our staff. If you see something PLEASE say something.”
Free the Slaves
Free the Slaves works to free people from slavery, help them build new lives, and dismantle the systems that allow slavery to flourish.
It takes more than passion and indignation to eradicate the evil of slavery. It takes science. That’s why Free the Slaves has developed their community-based model for fighting slavery. It’s a four-step formula that guides their work to bring entire communities from slavery to freedom. It’s one of the most important innovations of their first 15 years as an organization, and their approach has freed more than 10,000 people from slavery.
India Partners
India Partners is an international and humanitarian organization providing life-changing care to children and families living in extreme poverty in India.
Nisha at the age of 13 was given in marriage to an older man who regularly abused her. Soon after the marriage they had a daughter and the cycle of abuse continued. Disappointed, angry, and blaming Nisha for giving him a daughter instead of a son, her husband threw them out. Nisha was young, alone, and trying to provide for herself and her daughter. That made her a perfect target for working the red-light district.
Nisha worked in the sex trade, believing she had to do it to survive. Through a dental camp, Nisha got connected with our partners in India. A relationship was established and nurtured. Through mentoring Nisha began to believe that she could dream of a better future for her and her daughter. Our programs were about to give them financial freedom and gave her a way out. They were given food, clothes, housing, and an education. For the first time, Nisha was able to save money, get out of debt, and exit the sex trade! Her daughter attends a good school, and the cycle of abuse and poverty is broken. Nisha’s daughter will never have to experience the horrors that Nisha experienced. One woman is saved from a life of slavery and abuse and another is protected from ever having to experience it!
On behalf of our charity partners, thank you for your generosity and commitment to help end human trafficking.
