Teaming up to disrupt Asia-to-Europe human trafficking
The “Disrupt and Restore” programme is an example of how Porticus' local presence and networks in different parts of the world bring people together and facilitate cross-continental cooperation and learning.
Exploitation of Asian nationals in Europe
No one knows the true number of Asian nationals being trafficked and exploited in Europe today. The victims identified are just the tip of the iceberg. Far greater flows of people remain unseen, unprotected and unsupported. The complexities of our global and local systems leave gaps in which traffickers can operate without being exposed. The lack of political will to protect Asian trafficking victims and poor law enforcement in European transit and destination countries are part of the problem. The victims themselves face technical and legal barriers from accessing justice in Europe, while first responders seeking to help them face serious language, cultural and operational challenges.
Joining forces to fight human trafficking
With nine offices across Europe and Asia, Porticus is in a strong position to help address this issue. In 2019, Porticus teams mobilised their anti-trafficking experience and networks through creating the cross-continental Disrupt and Restore programme. One of the programme’s primary goals is to empower Asian nationals affected by migration or human trafficking in Europe and make their voices heard in political processes. Leveraging a network of partners, Porticus provides knowledge sharing and financial support to develop innovative approaches. This includes investigative journalism and behavioural science that can help to inform partners in the anti-trafficking space and ultimately disrupt human trafficking networks.
Marat Yu, who manages Porticus’ People on the Move initiatives, explains: “Through the Disrupt and Restore programme, we support campaigns and advocacy work for an effective political response to the human trafficking issue. When we were developing the programme, survivors told us loud and clear that there is ’nothing about us without us.’ We heard them and adapted the programme to be more survivor and migrant-centred. Working with a network of partners and the survivors themselves has been an incredible journey. We aim to share more learnings from the programme to allow others to learn from this journey to prevent more victims of human trafficking and migration from being exploited and restore dignity to those already impacted.”
Top photo courtesy LIFT, copyright Esther Havens
Bottom photo copyright Andy Aitchison
