Embolden Hope report celebrates the global impact of The Salvation Army’s fight against modern slavery and human trafficking
The Salvation Army’s International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Council has released its annual impact report, Embolden Hope.
The digital report – which is available here – shines a light on The Salvation Army’s commitment to dismantling and responding to modern slavery and human trafficking, and celebrates those at the heart of its response who, through their unwavering dedication, embolden hope in countless lives.
‘This report highlights the vastness of the work that is being done around the world, and the incredible difference that is being made to bring freedom and hope to precious individuals,’ writes Commissioner Kelvin Pethybridge, International Secretary for Administration and Personnel, International Headquarters, in the foreword.
The Salvation Army DNA
The report shares that The Salvation Army’s first documented response to human trafficking was in 1885, long before the terms ‘modern slavery’ or ‘human trafficking’ were defined, when Salvation Army officers in London led a bold and successful campaign to change the age of consent from 13 to 16.
The report also states how this early crusade ‘is a powerful reminder of how responding to modern slavery and human trafficking is woven into our DNA as a global church and charity.
‘What began 139 years ago as a local response to the sexual exploitation of women and girls – restoring their God-given dignity – has since evolved into a global strategy committed to dismantling modern slavery and human trafficking holistically. Since...2020, we have journeyed alongside over 40,000 survivors and supported more than 100,000 vulnerable individuals across 134 countries. Each of these lives represents a story of resilience, courage and hope rekindled.’
Figures representing the meaningful change happening in communities around the world are also included. In 2024, more than 165,500 people vulnerable to modern slavery and human trafficking and 14,552 survivors received support from The Salvation Army. Additionally, more than 12,000 community-awareness events were organised.
Stories of impact
The report shares stories of global and local impact, showcasing the resilience of survivors, the strength in collaborating with other organisations and the steadfast dedication of those actively engaged in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.
Here, we share G’s story, one of many inspiring accounts from Embolden Hope.
G experienced much loss throughout her life. As a child, she became displaced during the genocide in Rwanda and lost her support network and family. As an adult, she followed prospects of a job overseas, but was exploited and became very unwell. She was supported by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that helped her to return home and be reunited with her daughter. The NGO contacted The Salvation Army’s national contact person (NCP) for modern slavery and human trafficking in Rwanda to identify support for G. G was referred to a specialist shelter to meet some of her basic needs on arrival and to access counselling. However, the shelter could only assist her for one month. The NCP developed a reintegration plan with G to meet some of her ongoing needs, and supported her in her ambition to set up a hair salon, in which she had previous experience.
G shares: ‘The Salvation Army was incredibly helpful in providing me with the materials to start my salon. They provided me with a grant to rent a house for three months and paid for my health insurance. They continued to offer support and guidance throughout the process of starting and running my salon. They encouraged me and helped me to stay focused and motivated.’
The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory’s Beyond Programme provided funds for G to set up the salon. G has been successfully running the salon for more than six months and her customer base is growing, giving her enough income to pay the rent and meet her basic needs. To help with ongoing future requirements, G is also saving through a local savings group. G has access to free health care now and peer support.
The Salvation Army continues to encourage her in her journey of reintegration, as she dreams of getting a bigger salon to meet the demand. The NCP reflects: ‘You cannot believe the G we met initially with the G we see now – she is a different person.’ The Salvation Army observes her resilience and determination in this challenging and ongoing process of reintegration, and has welcomed working in partnership with different organisations across borders seeking to support her.
A global problem
More than 65 million people are enslaved across the world today. The Salvation Army adopts a holistic approach to modern slavery and human trafficking that addresses the underlying social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to vulnerability and exploitation, and drives community-led efforts to counter modern slavery and human trafficking in the 134 countries in which it serves.
The International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Council comprises global Salvation Army representatives. It releases an impact report annually. The 2023 report and more information are available here: salvationarmy.org/ihq/antitrafficking
Further enquiries can be addressed to Priscilla Santos, International Coordinator, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response, IHQ (priscilla.santos@salvationarmy.org).
Tags: South Pacific and East Asia, Africa, Europe, Americas and Caribbean, Anti-trafficking, South Asia, News