For Freedom

Human trafficking

“Human trafficking,” “trafficking in persons” and “modern slavery” are terms all used to describe the forced exploitation and captivity of others. Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry that targets the most vulnerable people in our world – refugees, women and children. Today, there are an estimated 49.6 million people in slavery of which 25% are children. This is more than at any other time in history. For periods of a few days up to many years, people are trapped in situations of exploitation and trafficking and are not free to leave. Trafficking is happening in every country with 43% of people trafficked into forced labour, 13% into commercial sexual exploitation and 44% into forced marriages.

The risk of human trafficking is very real for many people in the countries and communities where SIM works. SIM is committed to responding to the injustice of trafficking and exploitation and sees this as a natural expression of our discipleship in action. Our mission states that “we cross barriers to proclaim the crucified and risen Christ”; human trafficking is one of the most significant barriers we have to cross for people to be able to hear God’s good news. As we reach out in Jesus name in very practical matters of safety, we lay a path to share the gospel. Protecting the vulnerable and those most at risk of exploitation, creates a safe environment where the gospel can be heard and Christ can be known.

For Freedom

For Freedom is the anti-trafficking and exploitation ministry of SIM International, responsible for coordinating SIM’s global anti-trafficking response, and providing training, support and strategic guidance to SIM workers, local churches and partner ministries around the world.

For Freedom is focused on the prevention of human trafficking and the protection of those most at risk in the 70+ countries SIM works in.

For Freedom believes that at its core, human trafficking is about the exploitation of vulnerability. By addressing core causes of vulnerability, people and communities are kept safe from exploitation and the risk of trafficking.

Isolated, unconnected individuals are at greatest risk of being trafficked. The local community and the local church has a key role in preventing human trafficking by building relationships and caring for the vulnerable in their communities in a multitude of God-inspired ways.