Peace and Security - US Department of State

Peace and Security


These students receive a broad-based education meant to give them skills to steer clear of trafficking traps. (USAID)

SUCCESS STORY:

Acehnese Tsunami Victims Learn About Trafficking

Following the devastating December 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, many Acehnese women and girls took shelter in overcrowded, makeshift quarters and women began to look for work. Recognizing that this group could become an easy target for human traffickers, the international community developed programs both to help women develop livelihoods and to help communities understand the dangers of trafficking.(complete text)

Mother’s Love Saves Women from Traffickers in Argentina

Marita Veron, a 23-year-old mother of a young child, was less than a block away from her home when she was kidnapped from the streets of San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina, in 2002. Marita’s mother, Susana Trimarco de Veron, launched an intensive search that since has reclaimed 100 young women from the bondage of human traffickers but, sadly, not her own daughter. Her efforts have led her into dangerous situations, trolling bars and alleys in search of anyone who might know something about her daughter’s whereabouts. (complete text)

USAID Initiative Offers Hope for Victim of Trafficking

Irina is a young woman from a small village in northern Moldova who, for four years abroad, was a victim of human trafficking. Her story is all too familiar. Irina lived in the village with her family and had little hope of finding gainful employment. Like many young women in the poor Eastern European country, she was attracted to the promise of work abroad. She left the village when she was only 19. During the following four years, Irina lived through one of the most horrific experiences imaginable. (complete text)

Emancipation Network Helping Asian Trafficking Victims Recover

In Kolkata (Calcutta), India, a group of girls and young women is making bags and purses for sale. Any passerby would think they are working at one of Asia's many handicraft cooperatives. But these pursemakers are crafting their products at Apne Aap, an organization dedicated to ending sex trafficking. Founded by prostitutes who wanted to end their own exploitation and prevent the trafficking of others, Apne Aap, which means self-help in Hindi, is a place filled with recovery and hope for young survivors of human trafficking -- many just 12 or 13 years old.(complete text)