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Human Trafficking
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the
coercive, abusive, or deceptive treatment of an individual
that can take many forms of exploitation, including:
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Prostitution
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Forced
marriage
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Slave
labor
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Removal of organs for sale
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Illegal “adoption”
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Underage military service
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Forced
begging or solicitation
Victims may enter a
trafficking situation because they are sold, abducted,
forcibly moved, tricked, coerced or recruited into a trade
or service for the commercial gain of their handlers. In
some cases, due to social conditioning, victims may be
unaware they are being exploited.
Trafficked individuals are
typically:
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Female
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Children
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Minorities
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From
rural or newly developed areas
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The
uneducated
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The
economically disadvantaged
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Orphans, the elderly, and the disabled are also greatly
at risk
 It is estimated that up to
1.2 million children are victims of human trafficking each
year worldwide. In Cambodia, ninety percent of victims are
female, and sixty percent are under the age of fourteen.
This shows a widespread violation of a child’s right to
safety and a positive family environment. Prostitution,
dangerous labor practices, unfair wages, and
racially/ethnically-motivated abuses are all symptoms of the
cultural disease of trafficking.
Trafficking is a lucrative trade, closely linked with
criminal activity and corruption. It is also an often
secretive practice, making the issue difficult to address.
In addition to outright kidnapping, violent compulsion, and
the extortion of its victims, trafficking often takes on
more deceptive or subtle forms.
Parents
may be told that their child is being taken to an urban area
for education, or that they will be adopted by foreigners
from a more prosperous country. Young women are often
promised a job with a high paying salary while being
deceived about the nature of the job itself. In some cases,
children are convinced to leave home voluntarily due to
abuse or other harmful conditions. They may even be directed
into prostitution or labor by their own families, because of
their extreme poverty.
Poverty is a huge issue
affecting many regions of the world, and children are
especially at risk for trafficking in poverty-stricken
areas. In Cambodia, the cultural expectation that female
children should provide income for their family is an
additional contributor to the high rate of trafficking.
How is
IHSI getting involved?
Throughout
Scripture, God reveals his heart of compassion, justice and
provision for the orphaned and the needy. He is a father to
the fatherless, a defender and provider! As an extension of
Christ’s hands to the nations, In His Steps International is
working to abolish human trafficking through practical
methods of prevention and compassionate rehabilitation of
its victims.
Prevention:
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Education of community
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Training leaders to protect the weak and vulnerable
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Training local leaders to recognize trafficking
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Cooperation between local churches and communities
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Teaching that all people have value and dignity
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Teaching discernment and personal safety
 For
the orphans sponsored by the Loaves and Fish program,
prevention of human trafficking begins in the home. Children without guidance and protection are often more
vulnerable to becoming victims of violence, exploitation,
trafficking, discrimination or other abuses With this
knowledge in mind, the family caregiver of each
child is
trained by IHSI staff to promote the child’s physical
health, psychological well-being, and social integration.
By
facilitating access to education, healthcare and nutrition,
In His Steps helps to alleviate poverty and provide hope for
families and children who otherwise would be prime targets
for trafficking. Click
here for more information about the
Loaves and Fish program.
Rehabilitation:
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Empowerment through restoring dignity and sense of value
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Counseling based on Christian principles
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Job
skills development
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Micro-enterprise training
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Educational opportunities
In
language of the Cambodian people, “Sak Saum” means dignity.
For women who have been victims of prostitution and human
trafficking, the Sak Saum program offers the restoration of
dignity and helps develop important life skills necessary
for their rehabilitation and restoration. Vocational
training combined with counseling and encouragement helps
give victimized women the confidence and abilities they need
to become successful members of society. For more
information about Sak Saum, click
here.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs
31:8-9
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