5 Organizations Fighting Human Trafficking

Each aims to end modern-day slavery

The U.S. Department of State estimates that at least 600,000 women, men and children are trafficked across international borders each year, and 40,000 more into the United States. These victims are often forced to engage in involuntary sex, slavery, prostitution, and labor. More than 80 percent of victims are women, and at least half are under the age of 18. Human trafficking has become the third most profitable criminal activity, behind drugs and firearms. These five organizations have dedicated their efforts to putting an end to the crisis.

THE POLARIS PROJECT

Named after the North Star that guided slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad, the Polaris Project was founded 10 years ago and has become one of the leading organizations in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. By 2011, the organization has reported more than 770 human trafficking cases to law enforcement; provided 141 survivors of human trafficking with assistance, counseling and job training; and helped pass 18 state-level bills aimed at strengthening the anti-trafficking legal framework to ensure that victims are helped and perpetrators are punished. It also operates the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline.

NOT FOR SALE

ln 2007, David Batstone discovered that his favorite Bay Area restaurant had been the center of a local human trafficking ring. After further investigation, Not For Sale was born, with the vision: "To re-abolish slavery in this lifetime." Since being founded, the organization has helped 1,435 survivors and at-risk people across six countries, including Uganda, South Africa, Peru, Thailand, Cambodia and Romania. Not For Sale creates tools that engage business, government and grassroots groups in order to incubate and grow social enterprises to benefit enslaved and vulnerable communities.

URBAN LIGHT