Human trafficking
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is when a person is tricked or forced into a situation where they are exploited for profit.
Children, women and men around the world are trafficked into slavery including forced labour and sexual exploitation.
In IJM's cases, we have met survivors of slavery who report being beaten, gang-raped, locked in tiny rooms, starved and even forced to witness murder.
Learn more through our frequently asked questions about human trafficking.
Where does human trafficking occur?
Human trafficking occurs in almost every country in the world, including in the UK and across Europe.
IJM works with global partners and authorities to protect people from human trafficking in South Asia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Kenya, Ghana, across Europe and the UK.
Human trafficking is on the rise.
Climate change, technology and global conflicts are factors driving the disturbing increase.
The ILO estimates that 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery today, up 10 million from previous estimates. This is nearly one in every 150 people in the world.
These estimates show the urgency of addressing human trafficking - and the factors which increase people's vulnerability to it.
Right now, over 12 million children are trapped in slavery. That’s more than the population of London. Robbed of their freedom, education and childhood, they face abuse and violence. (ILO, Walk Free, IOM 2022).
Survivor stories
Kashi* was trafficked at the age of five.
Kashi was trapped in domestic servitude for ten years, before being trafficked again - this time for sexual exploitation.
When IJM helped authorities bring Kashi to safety, she was able to go to school for the first time.
She discovered her talents for leadership and public speaking and is now passionate about sharing her experiences to help end trafficking.
Kashi says “I will not have to be scared because of my past. I will hold my head high. Always.”
Angela* was trafficked to London for sexual exploitation.
Angela was trafficked from Romania to the UK where she was forced into sexual exploitation.
After months of brutal abuse, Angela managed to escape by jumping from a balcony. Police took her into safe custody where she provided descriptions that helped them arrest the suspect.
IJM helped provide Angela with important practical support, including housing and therapy sessions so Angela can begin to heal and move forward.
*Pseudonym
You can help end trafficking. Become a Freedom Partner now.
3 facts about human trafficking
Human trafficking is one of the biggest criminal industries in the world.
It generates more than $150bn a year. Two thirds of this comes from commercial sexual exploitation [1].
[1] ILO, 2014.
War in Ukraine has sparked a refugee crisis in Europe, putting millions more people at risk of trafficking.
Here's how IJM is helping to stop trafficking of refugees in Europe.
There are an estimated 100,000 victims of trafficking in the UK alone [2].
How does IJM help stop human trafficking?
IJM is working to combat forced scamming, child trafficking, sex trafficking, labour trafficking, cross-border trafficking in Europe and online sexual exploitation of children.
We’re working with authorities to bring victims of trafficking to safety, provide trauma-informed care to survivors, bring traffickers to justice and enable systemic change so that people are not abused in the first place.
Together, we're building a movement that is already seeing powerful results. With authorities, we’ve seen trafficking decrease by up to 86% in places where we’ve worked.
You can be part of this movement for freedom.
Freedom from trafficking means that people can pursue their dreams.
FAQs
Modern Slavery Helpline
If you suspect you, or someone you know is being exploited, call the UK Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.