July 30th is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Around the world, extractive capitalism, climate change, and laws and policies unsupported by evidence create vulnerability to violence, exploitation, and human trafficking.
While the commitment to addressing human trafficking is clear, good intentions alone are not enough. Often the proposed solutions are too narrow, short-term, and do not address the underlying causes that generate risk.
It can feel overwhelming to challenge systems and long-standing ways of doing things. Yet this is what must change if we are serious about fighting trafficking and improving the safety and quality of life for current and future people at risk. To truly meet victim and survivor needs, we must be willing to do the difficult work of questioning assumptions, examining the evidence, and addressing the underlying conditions that make exploitation possible:
- Demanding accountability from corporations that publicly support anti-trafficking campaigns, while relying on unethical supply chains or failing to provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and adequate labour protections for their own employees
- Speaking up about the importance of social programs that support complex needs and reduce vulnerability
- Engaging beyond awareness raising to develop a deeper understanding of the issues of exploitation and trafficking
- Supporting and funding community-based organizations that have the knowledge, expertise, and relationships to deliver effective prevention and intervention
On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let’s reflect on what is needed to meaningfully address exploitation and trafficking. Trafficking is a complex issue, and only by improving immediate responses and addressing the uncomfortable, complex root causes will we disrupt the cycle.
Click here for a list of community organizations in Canada doing this meaningful work on the front line.