President Obama declared January 2013 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, reaffirming the efforts of the U.S. government and the growing number of non-governmental organizations (NGO's) dedicated to fighting modern slavery. During these weeks, leaders of these non-profits promote their vision to eradicate modern-day slavery, educate the public on traffickers' methods and victims' resources, and rally support for their cause.
Many churches will dedicate time, sermons, offerings, and service to the anti-trafficking movement because they believe God has called them to action — to be His hands and feet, fighting for justice. The Bible often speaks of God's care for humanity, who is created in his image. He calls every follower of Christ to pursue justice on behalf of those who are being victimized. One well-loved verse reads:
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8, NIV84).
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking "involves an act of recruiting, transporting, transfering, harbouring or receiving a person through a use of force, coercion or other means, for the purpose of exploiting them" (U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime). As such, it involves any of the three elements:
- The act, or what is done: recruitment, purchasing, selling or harboring victims;
- The means, or how it happens: abuse of power, threats, fraud, deception, violence;
- The purpose: exploitation — prostitution, forced labor, organ theft, slavery.
Did you know that more people today — 27 million — are caught in trafficking than were ever transported from Africa to the New World in the 15th to 19th centuries? (Rough estimates place that number around 12 million. See Slavery Site). And it's not just a problem for the slums of Mumbai or street kids in Malaysia. Trafficking happens in the United States. It occurs within cities, across states and country borders. In America,12 is the average age for girls to be trafficked into prostitution. 1 in 3 runaways in the U.S. is approached by a sex trafficker within her first 48 hours on the streets (Abolition International).
A few statistics
- At least 100,000 American children are being exploited through pornography or prostitution every year (Sharedhope.org).
- Nearly 2 million children are exploited in the commercial sex industry worldwide (IJM).
- Trafficking in humans generates profits in excess of $32 billion a year (IJM).
- 88% of victims are women and children (UNODC).
Faith-Based Organizations Fighting Slavery in 2013
Below is a short list (incomplete, we know) of Christian non-profits dedicated to fighting human trafficking and supporting victims. We encourage you to click through to each one, learn about its particular strategy and motivation, then choose how you will join the fight.
Please share in the comments your suggestions for other organizations we can add to this list.
Photo cc by Imagens Evangélicas on Flickr.