Hello Friends,
This newsletter reaches out to people literally all over the world, so let me start by saying our thoughts are with people in several countries still dealing with the challenges of Covid-19. Many of you have reached out to us to check on our beneficiaries and our staff.
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. I’m sure you are aware that India is going through a crisis of unprecedented magnitude. It has been challenging for our staff team, but they are doing a phenomenal job.
I want to take this opportunity to highlight some of the long-term consequences of this pandemic and also inform you of some things we have planned in the coming months.
ACCELERATION OF TRAFFICKING RATES
Millions of people globally have plunged into poverty due to unemployment and the economic downturn in most nations. As a result, people are taking more risks to find work just to survive. The workforce in the hospitality industry has also been affected in a big way with less global travel, leaving the tourism entertainment industry struggling. Less-skilled workers in poorer countries must now look for work overseas. Unfortunately, traffickers are exploiting this vulnerability, and trafficking numbers are rising and will continue to rise.
RESCUES
When rescues happen, non-profits like ours rely on police protection as we undertake dangerous rescue operations. With the challenges of Covid, law enforcement is busy with other functions, resulting in rescue operations halted – affecting us drastically. You can only imagine the suffering in the red-light districts and brothels of world. Even with these major obstacles, we have rescued 13 victims of modern slavery so far this year.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH AT RISK
With children learning online now, the time they are spending on digital devices has increased exponentially. Traffickers are luring children and young people on social media. We have been trying to address this issue with our resource, Libertas. (You may purchase Libertas HERE.)
INTERNATIONAL AID
Because of global funding to fight Covid, the capacity of anti-trafficking organizations to expand their work has been significantly diminished. More resources must be allocated to fight modern slavery as this evil continues to grow.
We at YouCanFreeUs are grateful to our donors for your continued support. You are integral in this fight; we are privileged to partner with you.
Our teams are staying safe, busy, and planning for what’s ahead as we move forward.
Let us all do our best to make the world a safer, kinder, and more loving place for all of humanity.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace!
Sujo
LOOKING AHEAD |
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