Anti-trafficking

Cambodia is a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking.  Every year, thousands of men, women and children are sold by organized crime syndicates in Karaoke bars, massage parlours, street vendors, brick factories and brothels.

For years Thailand has unofficially been labeled the sex tourism capital of Asia, with Pattaya its most notorious hotspot, closely followed by the red-light districts of Bangkok and an assortment of nightclubs in Phuket.

Due to a history of violence and a compromised capacity for law and order, issues of commercial sexual exploitation, rape and gender inequality run rampant in Cambodia.  ‘Bauk’ (premeditated gang rape) is on the rise and recent studies show that 1 in 5 Cambodian men aged 18-49 have admitted to sexual abuse.

In Southern India we have a project underway to improve access to health services, education and community support.  The region has many of the social issues typical of a developing nation including poor health, employment insecurity, domestic violence, uncontrolled crime, lack of opportunity for higher study, personal debt and high suicide rates. 

The Jogini tradition has been part of southern Indian life for many centuries.  It is recognised as a form of modern day slavery whereby girls as young as 4 years-old are dedicated in marriage to a local deity and must then prostitute themselves to men as an act of worship.

Over decades of civil conflict and gang warfare, the alarmingly high prevalence of sexual violence has been critically overlooked and downplayed in Colombia.  Rape, involuntary prostitution, unplanned pregnancy and forced abortion is commonplace.