MSHTR Annual Report 2024 - Embolden Hope

embolden

PROBLEM AND RESPONSE

A GLOBAL PROBLEM

Modern slavery acts as an umbrella term, covering several human rights issues, of which human trafficking is one. Essentially, modern slavery is the exploitation of people for their bodies and labour.

Modern slavery includes trafficking in persons, debt bondage, deceptive recruitment, forced labour, forced marriage, organ trafficking, servitude, sexual servitude and slavery.

People trapped in modern slavery situations of exploitation often cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception and/or abuse of power.

More than 65 million people are enslaved across the world today,1 with 64% being women and 56% being trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

OUR GLOBAL RESPONSE

The Salvation Army’s historical and ongoing efforts to confront social injustices, such as modern slavery and human trafficking, require a holistic approach that addresses the underlying social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to vulnerability and exploitation. By working together with our diverse teams and ministries units, we bring effective and creative community-led solutions.

The Army’s Freedom Action Framework comprises our eight global response areas, expressing our holistic approach as a global movement:

PRAYER: Responses are rooted in deep spiritual foundations.

PREVENTION: Raising awareness and addressing MSHT root causes in local communities is a vital way to decrease vulnerability and strengthen well-being.

PROTECTION: We walk alongside and serve survivors as they regain their physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual health.

PARTNERSHIP: We partner with a global network to respond to MSHT.

PARTICIPATION: Salvation Army people and ministry units participate in responding to MSHT.

PROSECUTION: We support survivors as they access legal assistance and we give our backing to restorative justice efforts.

1 https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/about-us/news/calls-for-urgent-action-to-policy-makers-as-research-reveals-real-extent-of-human-trafficking/

PROOF: We ensure responses that both contribute to and are received from research, which are also informed by evidence-based practices.

POLICY: We create internal policies and advocate for external policies that reduce MSHT and its demand in the communities in which The Salvation Army is active.

We respond by aligning with our global MSHTR core values:

LOVING AND COMPASSIONATE: Inspired by Jesus, The Salvation Army aims to embody deep love and compassion across our responses and in our relationships with one another.

SURVIVOR-CENTRED: The strengths, needs, desires and voices of survivors should be at the forefront and centre of The Salvation Army’s responses.

COORDINATED AND INTEGRATED: As modern slavery and human trafficking is a multidisciplinary issue, an interconnected and collective response is required throughout The Salvation Army.

LEARNING TOGETHER: We believe all people are made in the image of God and are equal in value. With this in mind, we listen and learn from those we serve and work alongside.

LOCALLY LED: The Salvation Army acknowledges that local communities hold the best solutions and embrace being led by solutions created locally.

INCLUSIVE: The Salvation Army aims to create a culture of belonging where deep participation of Salvation Army ministry units and personnel is shaping and informing our practices and responses.

“BY WORKING TOGETHER WITH OUR DIVERSE TEAMS AND MINISTRIES UNITS, WE BRING EFFECTIVE AND CREATIVE COMMUNITY-LED

SOLUTIONS

AFRICA ZONE

A Collaborative Response Model

To fund these activities, the taskforce established an ‘Honorary Group’, a network of supporters providing financial and inkind resources. Their contributions enabled significant achievements, such as covering the costs of a mission to Luozi for training and awareness programmes, as well as funding a $3,500 training session in Kinshasa.

G’s Story

RWANDA AND BURUNDI TERRITORY

G* experienced much loss throughout her life, having been displaced from the genocide in Rwanda as a child, and as a consequence had lost much of her support network and family. As an adult, she followed prospects of a job overseas and did not know she was going to be taken to India. G was exploited and left extremely unwell with injuries that needed treatment, resulting in her requiring hospital care. G was supported by an NGO that helped her to get well enough to return home, where she desperately wanted to be back with her daughter. The NGO contacted The Salvation Army in

Rwanda to identify any support that she could access, as she had returned with no money and chronic healthcare needs.

The NCP in Rwanda communicated with G by phone before she returned, so she was familiar and comfortable with them before her journey back. 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 support her for one month, and after this she still had no regular income to support herself going forward. Our NCP developed a reintegration plan with her 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:

In the Democratic Republic of Congo Territory, The Salvation Army is leading a powerful response to modern slavery and human trafficking through its embolden MSHTR teams. At the heart of this effort is a taskforce created to support the National Contact Person (NCP) in addressing the territory’s vast challenges. Drawn from diverse departments, the taskforce ensures collaboration and accountability while reaching all corners of the community.

Since its formation, the taskforce has organised impactful initiatives, including a week-long training at William Booth University attended by 50 participants, awareness campaigns, partnerships with organisations and support for survivors’ reintegration journeys. Local churches have also been engaged to stand against MSHT, and advocacy efforts with government and community leaders continue to gain momentum.

Recognised as a leader among religious institutions, The Salvation Army also spearheads an interfaith network, ‘Confessions Religieuses Plate-Forme’, uniting nine member churches in the fight against MSHT. Together, these efforts embody a unified and determined stand to bring hope and freedom across the territory.

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, which was helpful because when they came it encouraged me and helped me to stay focused and motivated.’

The UKI Territory’s Beyond Programme provided funds for her to set up the salon. G has been successfully running the salon for over 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 through the health care she receives. 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 on the fact that ‘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.

*Please note that this pseudonym has been chosen by the survivor and some details have been changed to protect her identity.

AMERICAS AND CARIBBEAN ZONE

A Prevention Response

Brazil tackles MSHT through Prevention, Partnerships, Participation, Policy and Prayer. Awareness campaigns reached more than 9,200 people during key national events, featuring marches, educational sessions and workshops on child protection. Brochures on MSHT and domestic servitude were distributed nationwide, encouraging community action. Social media played a crucial role in spreading awareness and promoting human rights.

The Brazil Territory promoted widespread participation in combating MSHT, engaging social units, corps and thrift stores. Training sessions equipped 54 female officers and cadets with prevention and response strategies, while publications raised awareness on decent work and violence against women.

Strengthening partnerships, the territory participated in key local and international events, including 15 years of the State Commission for the Eradication of Slave Labour in Bahia (Coetrae BA), and the 68th UN Commission on the Status of Women. Additionally, policy efforts focused on detecting, preventing and responding to MSHT while contributing to public discussions on migration, refuge and labour rights.

A Family’s Reunification

Erwin left the Philippines when his daughter was four months old, arriving in the United States. He was labour-trafficked for years as a farm worker before escaping. After 18 years without returning home to the Philippines, he was recently reunited with his daughter and wife through the support of The Salvation Army’s Orange County Anti-Trafficking Services Programme, the International Organization of Migration and other partner organisations. Erwin and his story of reunifying with his family is one of hope, healing and transformation.

Don’t lose hope. That’s the most important thing about faith. You know, being hopeful for everything around you, no matter how difficult it is.

Diego’s Story

NORWAY, ICELAND AND THE FÆROES TERRITORY

When Diego*, a 40-year-old male from Latin America, arrived at the Filemon Safe House, his face was weary, his eyes carrying the weight of a painful story all too familiar to the team at Filemon – another tale of exploitation and broken promises.

Diego had come to Norway with high hopes, enticed by a fellow countryman’s assurances of a brighter future. He had been promised help in finding a stable job, legal residency, a comfortable home and a decent salary. But

reality quickly unravelled those dreams. His hard-earned wages were siphoned off to cover unexpected costs: the flight, rent and food. Diego found himself with almost nothing left, not even enough for warm clothes or sturdy shoes to face Norway’s harsh, cold climate.

His days were long and filled with hard labour, while his nights were plagued by the crushing realisation that he had been deceived. The legal residency, fair salary and the security he had envisioned were nowhere to be found. When Diego tried to stand up for his rights, he was silenced with threats. It was only during a random police check that he found the chance to speak out, exposing the reality of his exploitation.

At Filemon, Diego began to rebuild his life. The safe house provided him with a place to rest, recover and regain his footing. He gained daily work experience and began forming connections that eased his isolation. With social assistance from the state, Diego could now buy his own food and clothing – small but significant steps towards reclaiming his independence. The staff at Filemon offered him counselling, practical support and guidance, walking alongside him as he navigated the challenges of processing his trauma and planning for a better future.

Though the road ahead remains uncertain, Diego holds on to hope. He believes that higher powers are watching over him, and with each passing day, he takes another step towards a life of dignity and freedom.

To learn more about Filemon, Norway’s only male safe house, click on this link or scan the QR code: https://shorturl.at/IBiQU

Safeguarding Potential Victims GERMANY, LITHUANIA AND POLAND TERRITORY

Poland, at the heart of Europe, sees both migrants and Poles seeking opportunities abroad, making it a prime target for human traffickers. In response, The Salvation Army has launched various initiatives to protect potential victims. Through street campaigns, school seminars and strategically placed prevention posters in places like trams, bus stops and airports, they raise awareness about how to avoid trafficking and what to do if you become a victim.

One key project is the Job Verification Centre (JVC), which is supported by the UKI Territory and offers free checks on potential job offers, helping people to spot red flags before committing. The JVC also participates in job fairs and youth festivals, providing direct access to information and support.

These efforts ensure that vulnerable individuals are better informed, equipped and empowered to protect themselves. Through these initiatives, The Salvation Army continues to create a safer, more aware community across Poland.

Army in Poland offers support and information about human trafficking to help potential victims

SOUTH

Some things are completely outside of our control: the places and circumstances into which we are born; the experiences of our parents; the choices other people might make to exploit and abuse. For the children born into the red-light districts in Mumbai, they – like their mothers – are faced with the risk of exploitation and abuse, significant challenges and limited choices. They – and their mothers – also have potential and strengths and worth rooted in their being created in the image of God.

One of the choices The Salvation Army IWT has made in Mumbai is to be a presence in that red-light district

to come alongside women and provide an alternative home where their young girls can live. One of the choices the women can make is to entrust the care of their girls to Aruna Children’s Shelter, supported by SAWSO, where girls who are 5–12 years old and are the children of women who work in India’s red-light districts can receive safe accommodation, nutritious food, access to education, learn about the love of God, and have time and space for recreational activities and play.

Saanvi and Ishra’s Story

BANGLADESH

TERRITORY

The Salvation Army Bangladesh operates a support programme near Jashore’s brothels to help vulnerable and exploited women and children who are exiting cycles of abuse. One such woman, Saanvi*, was sold into sexual exploitation by her abusive husband and later forced to raise her daughter, Ishra*, in the brothel. Tragically, Ishra was also drawn into the sex trade at a young age. With ongoing support from The Salvation Army, Saanvi eventually left the brothel but sadly passed away soon after. Inspired by her mother’s courage, Ishra sought help, started her own grocery store and began rebuilding her life with assistance from the programme.

Since 2021, The Salvation Army has emphasised local ownership of its initiatives, engaging women, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify solutions to exploitation. They have supported 35 women in leaving brothels, with many receiving training

in skills like tailoring and small-business management. The programme also provides safe spaces for children living in brothels, offering education, creative activities and nutritious meals, while raising awareness about social issues such as child marriage and human trafficking in the broader community.

Saanvi and Ishra’s story reflects both the immense challenges faced by women and children in exploitation and the hope that The Salvation Army continues to bring through its work in Jashore.

*Names have been changed.

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