How an International Organisation fights Human Trafficking on a National and Local Level
Date of Meeting: 13 March 2019
Meeting Organizer: The Salvation Army
ISJC Staff Present: Captain Paula Mendes, Captain Eun-Young, Captain Swetha Vincent, Catherine Millan, Dr. Laurelle Smith, Major Victoria Edmonds
Reporter: Captain Paula Mendes
Which SDG does this topic cover? SDGs 8, 10, 16
Type of meeting: CSW Side Event
Brief summary of presentation of information made
The moderator, Major Susan Dunigan, opened the presentation sharing a background on how The Salvation Army has fought injustice since its foundation in 1865 (raising awareness, engagement and fearlessness). She gave some practical examples as to how, in 1885, The Salvation Army fought to raise the age of consent from 13years to 16 years.
Jason Pope (Technical Advisor in Anti-human Trafficking at The Salvation Army World Service Office), was the first speaker and gave an overview of The Salvation Army around the world. He presented the 4P framework (prevention, protection, persecution and partnership) which is being used as the American national strategy for The Salvation Army and shared that 80% of The Salvation Army territories internationally are involved in anti-human trafficking work.
Priscila Santos (The Salvation Army Western Territorial Social Justice Anti-Trafficking Initiatives Coordinator) opened her presentation saying that “traffickers are well organized. So, we should do the same”. She then shared about Awareness and Training, highlighting the following:
- There are 43 programs and initiatives on a national level in America
- There has been creation and implementation of Human Trafficking 101 training for all Salvation Army personnel
- Monthly webinars are available on their website
- A Holistic strategy, including Corps, Territorial programmes and Social Services
Priscila also shared that “survivors are very strong, and it’s an honor to work with them”.
Hillary Dejarnett (The Anti-Trafficking Coordinator for The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory) shared about Prevention and Outreach. She emphasized the importance of outreach by saying that her passion was ignited at a Salvation Army camp, and because of that, she is working on this issue until today.
She shared about the importance of integrating with corps and youth groups, extending the outreach to migrant and farm communities and presented the Rapid Response Tool: a test that can be used by anyone to check if a person is involved in human-trafficking and how to get help, if needed.
Jamie Manirakiza (Territorial Anti Human Trafficking Program Coordination for The Salvation Army Eastern Territorial Headquarters) talked about Survivor Services and Recovery. Some highlights when it comes to this aspect of the response:
- Do not replicate the “pimp” power control dynamics
- We have to come alongside people, but never forget that it’s their process, not ours
- It is not a 9 to 5 job. Requires a 24/7 availability and that is why there is a 24 hours hot line
- We can never judge someone who has relapsed. Instead of judging, we should see it as a strength, as the person had the desire and did come back.
- A glimpse into a survivor’s journey (https://sajustice.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Survivor_Journey_Infographic_11-21-16.pdf)
Pilar Dunning (Program Consultant for Children and At-Risk Youth for The Salvation Army Central Territory) shared about Partnerships and Advocacy, emphasizing the importance of engaging with other organizations, as we cannot do everything by ourselves. She also shared the challenge of confidentiality and pointed to the importance of relationships to create better partnerships. About advocacy, she divided it in two approaches: the first one would be direct (walking alongside people) and the other one would be policy advocacy (liaising government relations regarding legislative advocacy).
What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?
The model adopted by USA national for the work of anti- trafficking seams really efficient, strong and well organized. Other territories could benefit form learning with them. The resources they shared are also valuable, including webinars, flayers and the hotline, that can also serve as a channel of information.