Xavier was 17 years old when he had to abandon his education, due to his family’s financial situation. Starving nights and a lack of opportunities led to his search for an escape - an escape from the cycle of poverty. It seemed almost a blessing when Mr. Jean Claude, a man from his village, introduced a chance for a better life to Xavier awaiting him in Tanzania. And so, with bursting expectations and no notice to his family or friends, Xavier set off from his neighbourhood in Burundi, with this strange man, to a place where the grass was supposedly greener. He worked as a domestic aid for 3 months consecutively without pay. When he inquired about this issue or asked questions regarding his salary he was met with violence and hostility, and would soon be shocked to find that Jean Claude had abandoned him for Congo.
Eventually, he made his return to Burundi, but without the affluence or life he had expected to acquire. Xavier is but a variable in a much larger statistic. 1 in 4 of those trafficked and exploited are children, leaving us with 1.2 million child victims each year on average. That's 1.2 million children abused, mistreated and lied to, in order to benefit a trafficker either financially, socially or politically. Trafficking can take multiple forms from sexual exploitation and child marriage to forced labour - often through industrial workforces like agriculture, domestic services or manufacturing. Many of these cases are hidden from authorities, even though it is known by many that trafficking is illegal. Trafficking can happen to anyone vulnerable - this includes refugees and asylum seekers, but also everyday people like Xavier who, just like everyone else, want to make something of themselves. This is why it’s so crucial we can identify the signs of trafficking and exploitation, ensuring we can protect each other from the harsh reality of modern day slavery that continues to plague our world.
January holds the duty of reminding people of the truth behind trafficking and is our National Human Trafficking Prevention Month - a chance to educate the public on this crime and how to prevent it. National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, established in 2010, is an important time to reflect on the resilience of trafficked survivors and recognise the efforts of those who work tirelessly to eliminate this inhuman way of exploitation and abuse. Citizens and survivors #WearItBlue with ribbons that symbolise the sadness felt by trafficked victims and the coldheartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human beings. The use of ‘UN blue’, the same colour as the United Nations flag, also shows the commitment of the UN to combat this crime against human dignity.
Children are especially known for their sensitivity and vulnerability and so are easy targets for trafficking and similar crimes. That’s why it’s so important they’re protected by articles like Article 35 of the UNCRC - prevention of sale and trafficking. This article ensures children KNOW they have the right NOT to be sold, trafficked or exploited. A lot of the time, child victims don’t even realise what’s happening to them, making the importance of sharing and talking about the UNCRC clear, so a child can be aware of when they’re in danger or when their rights aren’t being met. The Article also obliges legal parties to take appropriate measures to prevent a child from being sold.
UNICEF is particularly well known for its support towards victims, not only providing medical attention for any physical and mental damages but also working to help the victim secure a job and stable income if they’re eligible.
Xavier was luckily approached by a representative from Foundation Stamm, UNICEF’s partner organisation, and agreed to work in trade as a qualified hairdresser in his village. He also rears pigs thanks to additional skills that Foundation Stamm helped him acquire.
“I am very thankful to Foundation Stamm for all the support they brought to me. Today, I am able to work and save up for my future, and especially help my family. I do not want my siblings to endure the same tragedy I endured, so I am working to help send them to school”, said Xavier as he took steps to finally build the life he had dreamed of.
The harsh truth is that only a fraction of trafficked victims receive such support as Xavier and are able to truly bounce back from what they’ve had to endure. This is why it’s so important we spread awareness about trafficking and the help available. After all, big or small, young or old, we are all human, and as humans it’s our solemn commitment to look out for one another. So, as we come to the end of the year’s first month, take a moment to truly honour the protection rights give you and what you can do to give trafficking and similar topics the exposure they need - so children all over the world, children like Xavier, can walk freely once again.
By Nandi (IIIM)