Human Trafficking Institute

Imagine being handed a scalpel and told to perform cataract surgery. The will to help someone might be there, but without the proper skill set, the outcome could be disastrous. Dedicated prosecutors fighting against human trafficking possess the undeniable drive to bring justice, but without proper training, translating that will into effective action remains a challenge. That's why at the Human Trafficking Institute, we believe in the power of thorough training for prosecutors. It's not just about having the tools; it's about knowing how to use them to make a real difference. Our training programs are designed to equip prosecutors with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle even the most complex cases of human trafficking. By investing in our prosecutors, we're not just teaching them how to use a scalpel; we're empowering them to restore vision, to bring clarity and light back into the lives of those who have been ensnared by trafficking. Each trained prosecutor becomes a beacon of hope, a skilled warrior in the fight for freedom and justice. #Empowerment #Training #Justice #AntiTraffickingEfforts

HTI’s Victim Assistance Coordinators (VAC) are the unsung heroes in the battle against human trafficking, working tirelessly to fill in the gaps and ensure survivors are cared for and have the resources they need.   Nusura, Superintendent of Police at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, shares, “HTI’s Victim Assistance Coordinators really help a lot.They have mapped out service providers that you may not know about... so the moment you call them, they can easily connect you to services to avoid the retraumatization of these victims who initially have nowhere to go.” Their work goes beyond offering immediate assistance; they ensure victims can safely return home or find shelter, reducing further harm and aiding in their recovery. This support extends across Uganda, providing a national network of assistance and hope. Thank you to our Victim Assistance Coordinators and the regional response teams for being pivotal in our mission to combat human trafficking. Your dedication changes lives every day. #HeroHighlight #EndHumanTrafficking #VictimSupport #HTIHeroes

Over the last 12 months, our program teams have been on the frontline, combating human trafficking with unprecedented success. Together, we've supported the arrest of 978 traffickers, a testament to what we can achieve with relentless dedication, targeted training, and your unwavering support. Each arrest not only represents a step towards justice but also signifies a hopeful future for countless potential victims. #StopTraffickers #DecimateTrafficking #EndTrafficking #HTIImpact

Check out J. Tyler Dunman on a recent podcast episode, talking about the great work that's being done and results we're seeing—specifically in Uganda. Thanks, Illustro Consultancy Ltd! #humantrafficking #antihumantrafficking #endhumantrafficking

While rescuing survivors from their traffickers is a vital step towards freedom, it marks just the beginning of a longer battle against human trafficking. If traffickers remain at large, they inevitably seek out more victims from vulnerable communities, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and abuse. At the Human Trafficking Institute, we understand that true victory lies not only in rescue but in prevention. Stopping trafficking means stopping traffickers—bringing them to justice to ensure they can no longer harm others. Your support empowers us to tackle this issue head-on, providing support to train law enforcement, support survivors, and ensure traffickers face the consequences of their actions. Together, we will end human trafficking, one trafficker at a time. #StopTraffickers #EndHumanTrafficking #HTICommitment

Joseph Kyomuhendo is an anti-trafficking specialist at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Uganda. Human Trafficking Institute has worked alongside Joseph since 2017! He has been pivotal in prosecuting traffickers and contributing to Uganda’s improved standing in the global fight against trafficking. When asked how he as a prosecutor has benefitted from his partnership and training with HTI, Joseph said: “Wow, I can say I have benefited massively. [Before encountering HTI] I didn't know about this offense called human trafficking…My training has been rigorous, enhancing my awareness and understanding of the complexities surrounding this issue. I have all the materials that I need for investigating a human trafficking case, from the first day the case is reported, to the last day I close my case, to the sentencing of the accused, then to the caring of the victim after prosecution. I can say that I am ten times the prosecutor I was before I encountered the Human Trafficking Institute.” #Training #OurProvenModel #Empowerment #Prosecutor #Uganda #AntiTrafficking

Justice has been served for victims of child trafficking In a landmark case that began last year. Five defendants from a rebel militia group were convicted of exploiting children as child soldiers, receiving a total of 351 years in prison. This monumental achievement was made possible by the hard work of a dedicated prosecutor and investigator who have been part of the Human Trafficking Institute's training sessions. They've also received ongoing support and mentorship from HTI’s Special Counsel. Together, we're not just fighting trafficking; we're winning. #JusticePrevails #EndHumanTrafficking #HTIImpact

Every child’s life matters. Because the amount of public information relating to victims in human trafficking cases is limited, the age of victims cannot always be determined. However, according to the 2022 Federal Human Trafficking Report, of the 363 total victims in new criminal human trafficking cases in the US in 2022, minor victims comprised 34% (122) of new victims and 28% (100) victims’ ages were unknown. This Child Abuse Prevention Month, we emphasize our commitment to protecting our most vulnerable and building a world where every child can thrive, free from fear. #ProtectChildren #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #AntiTrafficking #HumanTraffickingInstitute

Alyssa Achiron, 2023-2024 HTI Douglass Fellow, recently hosted a Lunch and Learn at Emory University, featuring two pivotal voices in the fight against Human Trafficking - Professor Jonathan Todres, distinguished professor of Law at Georgia State and a leading expert on children's rights, as well as  Professor Herbrina Sanders Young, a special Master and adjunct professor at Emory teaching a course on Human Trafficking. The event dove into crucial conversations, with Prof. Todres illuminating the prevention and root causes of human trafficking, and Prof. Sanders Young dissecting the efficacy and pitfalls of Georgian laws addressing this grave issue. Their expert knowledge shed light on the complexities of human trafficking and sparked meaningful discussion among the 25+ student attendees. Thank you to Alyssa for organizing this event and to our distinguished speakers for their contributions. Every advocacy and awareness event brings us one step closer to eradicating human trafficking. #Emory #Georgia #TraffickingAwareness #AntiTraffickingEvents #HTI

This month we are wrapping up the 7th year of the Douglass Fellowship. We had another remarkable cohort, one of whom was Alyssa Markheim. Alyssa hosted an incredible and informative symposium at the University of South Carolina School of Law entitled “Human Trafficking: From Prosecution to Survivor Support.” From insightful discussions on the challenges of federal and state prosecution, to innovative approaches for survivor support, the gathering was an all around success with over 100 attendees and contributions from 14 experts. Alyssa said that, “It was incredible to have so many strong voices from the anti-trafficking field in one space and to come together to work towards combating human trafficking.” Thank you, Alyssa, for spearheading the organization of this event. Read more about the symposium and the specific presentations at the full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/gvxXHY2T #Symposium #HTI #HumanTrafficking #TraffickingPrevention #AntiTraffickingEvents