On July 29th, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that they will be expanding their partnership with the Department Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) and the non-governmental organization Liberty Shared in order to investigate forced labor in the supply chain [1].
This announcement was released on July 29th, the day before World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, with the intention of acknowledging the importance of raising awareness about trafficking and using viable methods to counteract this worldwide problem.
DHS, as well as other organizations involved, recognize that a place where they can start is by using resources at the disposal of all organizations fighting against human trafficking and investigating serious allegations.
Human trafficking is a worldwide issue that affects the lives of many individuals and creates lifelong issues that also affect society at large. Human trafficking can be defined as a “crime of exploiting another person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts, typically through force, fraud and coercion, or inducing a minor under 18 into commercial sex” [2].
According to the DHS, human trafficking affects about 25 million people around the world. About 80% are victims of force labor and 20% being victims of sex trafficking [2].
Human trafficking is a serious issue that exists all around the world. It’s widely recognized as a human rights violation and can have lasting implications on those that are trafficked in terms of the victim’s “well-being, development, physical health, mental health, and economic outcomes” [3].
For example, many people who are trafficked are more likely to abuse substances, experience financial troubles, especially in terms of housing, and can face general challenges reintegrating into society [3]. That’s why WE International believes in having a program like WE Restore which helps women recover from the horrors of human trafficking.
WE Restore aims to provide a safe space for those affected by human trafficking while providing resources that help survivors. WEI believes that it is important to provide survivors with support and guidance through both the physical and mental implications that human trafficking can have.
Survivors can often feel lost and won’t know where to start when it comes to getting the help they may need. Having resources readily available to these survivors of human trafficking is crucial to starting the process of healing.
Written by Caitlin Kulpberger
Works Cited:
- “DHS Expands Partnership to Combat Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labor.” Department of Homeland Security, 29 July 2022, https://www.dhs.gov/news/2022/07/29/dhs-expands-partnership-combat-importation-goods-produced-forced-labor.
- Department of Homeland Security. “Countering Human Trafficking Year in Review.” Countering Human Trafficking Year in Review | Homeland Security, 1 Feb. 2022, https://www.dhs.gov/publication/countering-human-trafficking-year-review.
- Dell, Nathaniel A., et al. “Helping survivors of human trafficking: A systematic review of exit and postexit interventions.” Trauma, Violence, & Abuse 20.2 (2019): 183-196.
