Matthew Peckett from A21 tells us about the charity and the amazing work they do internationally to prevent human trafficking.
The story of bravery that led to restoration
Maria was trafficked for years, but she bravely escaped when she saw an open door. On the run, she collided with a woman who had become aware of human trafficking through one of our posters.
The woman called our human trafficking hotline, and a call specialist connected her with the police. Because of Maria’s testimony, the police conducted a raid and rescued many others. Her bravery had a ripple effect.
In our Aftercare program, Maria overcame the trauma and found a fresh hope for the future. She experienced healing and restoration. She received medical support, took language lessons, engaged in our group programs, and developed the skills to help her thrive in a new community.
Eventually, she moved into her own apartment and now lives in complete independence. It’s a surreal feeling. A foreign feeling. But the best feeling.
Today, she’s working full-time. She knows her worth. She’s full of hope. She’s living the life she’s always wanted and pursuing the dreams she’s always had.
Right now, Maria is testifying in court against her traffickers. This chapter in her life ends not just in freedom but also in justice.
We long for more stories like Maria's. We long for the day where slavery no longer exists.
Who are A21?
A21 is one of the largest organisations in the world that is solely fighting human trafficking at a local, domestic, and international level.
What is Human Trafficking?
1. It’s the illegal trade of human beings.
2. It’s the recruitment, control, and use of people for their bodies and for their labour.
Through force, fraud, and coercion, people everywhere are being bought and sold against their will – right now in the 21st century.
Across 19 locations in 14 countries, we are actively working to combat human trafficking that is already taking place. Human trafficking looks different in each country, culture and context, which is why we provide a contexualised approach. We work to identify the gaps and then to fill them through programs and active partnerships, alongside government entities, law enforcement, frontline professionals, other non-profits, individuals, and industries in nearly every sector.
A21's Strategy
Through our first-hand experience, working on the ground to combat modern slavery since 2008, we have developed a strategic three-pronged approach to break the cycle of exploitation which is referred to as Reach, Rescue & Restore.
Each program has been designed to stand alone – filling critical gaps in the communities we work in without duplicating efforts. We are also committed to sharing our resources and knowledge with other groups combatting human trafficking so we can reach a tipping point where slavery is abolished everywhere, forever. (To learn more, check out our annual Freedom Report)
2021 was a record-breaking year and 2022 is on track to be even more impactful.
2021
- 3,983,504 people reach with awareness and prevention.
- 28 perpetrators convicted or found guilty.
- 3,447 frontline professionals trained to combat human trafficking.
- 209 new survivors entered A21’s aftercare programs.
- 587 victims identified and processed for referral.
Committed to the one
Whether it’s preventing one life from ever experiencing exploitation in the first place, to walking alongside the one who has toward freedom, independence, and a better story. We are with them every step of the way.
Join in the fight for freedom
Your support of A21 changes the lives of people like Maria. If you would like to learn more or how your financial support of A21 will contribute to the fight for freedom, visit www.a21.org
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