In the fight against human trafficking, prevention is crucial. GFC partners are addressing the root causes of trafficking and adapting to the changing approaches used by traffickers.
Today, 30 July, is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, established to raise awareness of the plight of human trafficking victims, and promote and protect their rights. This year’s global campaign urges accelerated action to end child trafficking. Children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected. The theme for this year’s campaign is: Leave No Child Behind in the fight against Human Trafficking.
1 in 3 victims of human trafficking globally is a child
I recently had the privilege of talking with GFC Board member, Marijana ‘Maja’ Savic about her work with GFC Alumni partner, NGO Atina and her recognition as a 2024 Trafficking in Persons Hero.
Maja told me that one of the key challenges in fighting human trafficking lies in the constantly evolving tactics employed by traffickers to prey on individuals in vulnerable circumstances.
She explained that combating trafficking requires a proactive and dynamic approach. Organizations and stakeholders must stay attuned to emerging trends and adapt their strategies to meet the distinct needs of various populations at risk.
“You follow the need! Adapt, modify, and adapt. Those women and kids who came to our program 21 years ago are totally different from the women being referred to us now. Same needs… they want safety, they want to be comfortable. We have to adapt,” explained Maja.
We are incredibly proud of Maja who was recently recognized as one of the ten US State Department 2024 Trafficking in Persons Heroes for her ceaseless commitment to work to end human trafficking in Serbia. Founder and Executive Director of our alumni partner NGO Atina, Maja has been instrumental in supporting women and girls affected by trafficking and gender-based violence.
Driven by a passion for women’s rights and a deep-rooted sense of justice, Atina has spent over two decades providing direct support and long-term assistance to those experiencing trafficking and gender-based violence.
The organization has received numerous regional and global awards for its work, including GFC’s Sustainability Award and the With and For Girls Award. In 2022, Atina received the Child10 Award, presented by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, in recognition of its work in Serbia fighting human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Atina first became a GFC partner in 2007, and Maja has served as a member of GFC’s Global Board of Directors since 2020.
Through innovative methodologies and a deep understanding of the complexities of exploitation, Maja and her team at Atina have been adapting and modifying programs to respond to the ever-changing needs of those at risk.
She also noted that, “What is happening these days is very strange. Algorithms of different social media networks are matching people who were in our homes years ago with people who are in now. Sometimes we struggle to understand how a person who was involved in a trafficking case years ago is involved in a trafficking case again. These are the things we deal with.”
Maja stressed the importance of early prevention and recognizing the nuances of exploitation beyond just sexual trafficking.
“When we are looking at trafficking only as a criminal act, then we cannot help anyone. It is our job to also identify and prevent exploitative practices even if they are not recognized as trafficking. There are early warning signs and red flags, and as Atina, we are supporting those victims to prevent trafficking from happening.”
Atina works with women and children who have been trafficked, as well as those whom the organization identifies as at risk of being trafficked. The organization offers a range of services including psychosocial support, legal assistance, educational support, and economic empowerment programs. GFC’s funding enabled Atina to pilot innovative solutions to the crisis and strengthen its work. Atina’s strategy combines a structured system for effective response, expanded global advocacy, and a holistic prevention-focused approach to protect at-risk individuals and communities.
Human trafficking is a crime and violation that should have no place in our world. While about 50,000 cases were reported to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2020 by 141 countries, as many as 50 million people globally – the equivalent of the populations of South Korea or Uganda – may be subject to various forms of exploitation. Human trafficking happens in every country. It thrives in situations where the rule of law is weak and people lack opportunities. Humanitarian crises and conflicts create an environment in which traffickers easily prey on the vulnerable.
GFC has worked tirelessly for 30 years to support community-based organizations to prevent child trafficking around the world. We provide support, mentoring and flexible funding and deep partnership to ensure these brave and incredible organizations never have to stop fighting to find, rescue and support the rehabilitation of trafficking survivors.
We won’t stop, our partners won’t stop – we will leave no child behind, this year, or any year.
For more information on our work with local partners around the world have a look at these blogs:
Combating child trafficking in Bangladesh through increasing access to information
Fighting the trafficking and exploitation of men and boys in Thailand
Meet our new partners in Bangladesh
Defending the rights of children in dangerous circumstances in Ukraine and India
Header Photo: Sunset © GFC
