The A21 Campaign is comprised of individuals, organizations, government officials, and people like you who are committed to abolishing injustice in the 21st century. Our goal is to raise awareness, take legal action where appropriate, and offer rehabilitation services to rescued victims of human trafficking in order to fight this injustice from a comprehensive approach. Additionally, we want to branch out to address this issue from a preventative standpoint, aiming to cripple the human trafficking trade so there are fewer victims that need to be rescued.
PREPARATION
In preparation for the establishment of The A21 Campaign, we conducted extensive research on human trafficking by visiting the on-site locations of shelters, rehabilitation centers, legal advocacy offices, issue awareness agencies, and high-density brothel areas. We also met with key members of different anti-trafficking organizations located in Cambodia, Greece, Holland, the UK, and the U.S. to discuss the most effective models for rescuing and restoring victims. Through our research, we developed a model that not only sees victims truly set free, but also fights this battle from a legal perspective.
THE A21 CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS
Having identified Europe, and in particular Greece, as "the center of trafficking in Europe," our initial response to the injustice of human trafficking was to pioneer the A21 Project Center in Thessaloniki, Greece with the long-term intent of expanding into other areas of Europe where great need exists.
- The A21 Project Center was launched in August 2008 and required the expertise and oversight of trained professionals to develop an effective rescue plan that sought out the cooperation of law enforcement agencies and local NGOs.
- The purpose of the A21 Project Center is to coordinate and administrate all aspects of required legal representation, government relations, volunteer recruitment and training, educational programs, and street outreach teams.
- Additionally, a small team monitors the process required for rescue operations such as law enforcement cooperation and raids of facilities where trafficked victims are forcefully held, as well as support for the staff of the A21 Crisis Care Shelter.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY
Our approach to the human trafficking issue is based on the four-part organization strategy outlined by International Justice Mission: 1) Victim relief, 2) Perpetrator accountability, 3) Victim after-care, and 4) Structural prevention. We are outworking this through various A21 initiatives:
- The A21 Crisis Care Shelter was launched in October 2008 and welcomed our first rescued victims in December 2008. Due to security reasons, a location separate from the Project Centre was needed to begin a victim's transition out of forced prostitution.
- Here the rescued victims meet with justice officials and the police in order to obtain a certificate declaring them to be a victim of trafficking. During this phase, the victim also receives access to initial medical care and legal services.
- A contracted social worker and/or psychologist monitors the progress of the survivors, and help to teach basic skills to help victims understand and manage the psychological symptoms that are consequence of their trafficking experiences.
- The aim of the Crisis Care Shelter program is to help trafficking victims move from crisis to stabilization, and then to a place where they are able to make an informed decision about their next step.
- Within the A21 team we have a full-time Greek lawyer available for legal counsel and advice, as well as a second lawyer who does pro-bono work, representing rescued victims during criminal proceedings and/or possible compensation redress.
- Although some organizations insist that victims pursue legal proceedings in order to secure assistance, A21 does not force victims to do so. However, legal options are explained to all rescued victims, and counsel is available for those who want it.
- Legal representation is currently a small, but significant part of the work of A21, which we hope to expand over time. Bringing perpetrators to justice is a key part to ensuring there is justice for victims, and we are committed to seeing perpetrators held accountable.
- Although the Crisis Care Shelter program will help trafficking victims find some initial stability, most will suffer, to some degree, from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) along with a range of emotional issues which will require additional long-term assistance.
- A21 seeks to link with programs that focus on the restoration and rehabilitation of trafficking victims and offer women leaving the A21 Crisis Care Shelter the opportunity to transition into a more long-term restoration program.
- The aim of such a program is to provide:
- A psycho-educational component focused on the cognitive, behavioral, physiological, and emotional experiences that makes up their daily lives.
- Access to individual counseling services facilitated by trained psychologists and/or counselors.
- Access to regular medical and psychological assessments by medical professionals.
- Job training and education training that will assist them in re-entering society.
- Connection to organizations that will help to provide long-term support, as trafficking victims leave the restoration program and embark on rebuilding their lives.
- In addition to rescuing and rehabilitation of victims, A21 is also focusing on prevention of people being trafficked. Thought our advocacy and school programs, we are working to educate both those at risk of being trafficked, as well as others that can channel their resources to help fight trafficking.
- Trafficking is a complex web involving many individuals, but we have managed to identify three key foci during our research into The Reason. They are:
- Vulnerable Girls
- Paying Clients
- Systematic Corruption
i) Vulnerable Girls
- Awareness: There is a very real need for awareness to be spread throughout countries of origin, so that potential victims become mindful of the traffickers' techniques. Initiatives we are exploring include:
- Media campaign: Raise awareness about the techniques of traffickers.
- Educational short-courses for high schools/community centers: Challenge young people to think through job offers and consider alternatives.
- Investigation team: Assess the legitimacy of various individuals or pseudo-companies offering employment.
- Employment: Provide those at risk of trafficking with employment opportunities is an essential part of breaking the trafficking cycle. If those at risk have employment opportunities at home, they are far less likely to accept risky job opportunities overseas. Initiatives we are exploring include:
- Partnering with local businesses to create employment pathways.
- Creating study scholarships through a sponsorship program.
- Micro-enterprise initiatives.
ii) Paying Clients
- Awareness and Perceptions: The whole sex trafficking industry is funded by those who pay for sexual services, often unaware (or uncaring) about whether those providing the services are working out of choice or under duress. Initiatives we are exploring include:
- Media campaign: Prompt men to think through the consequences of their part in the sex industry and challenging preconceived sexist attitudes.
- Educational short-course for schools: Aim to impact young men and address perceptions of women, sexuality, and peer-pressure.
iii) Systematic Corruption
- Corrupt Public Officials: Corruption within the public sector is a critical facilitator of the trafficking process and must be addressed. Initiatives we are exploring include:
- Training: Working alongside police forces and border patrol officials to help them identify traffickers and trafficking victims. Additionally, training on the issues of corruption, conflicting interests, and the importance of upholding the law are key discussion topics.
- Accountability: Building an independent commission, specifically focused on identifying and disciplining public officials that are involved in corruption concerning human trafficking.
- Job Acquisition and Transportation: A key part of the trafficking technique is the promise of employment without details and transportation without expense, that involve many corrupt transactions that victims are often initially unaware of. To work towards overcoming this corrupt system, initiatives we are exploring include:
- Employment Assessment Agency: Teams can assist young women who are offered jobs in determining if the offers are legitimate, and if so, provide safe transportation for the girls from their home towns to their new jobs. Thus, the actual trafficking process is undermined and corrupt officials are avoided.
- Education for Future Job Holders: It is critical that we start working with the next generation of public officials and politicians
- Eastern Europe School Initiatives: School-based, educational programs for all ages that teach the importance of upholding the law and the danger of corruption in the context of civic responsibility.
