When we protect survivors of human trafficking, we plant seeds of hope. Every step we take—identifying and removing them from harm, seeking justice, and supporting their recovery—creates lasting change.
Justice through prosecution offers a tangible victory, but healing takes time. Resilience comes step by step, on a path only they can walk.
This work isn’t quick or easy, but it’s worth it. When a vulnerable child can return to who they were meant to be, they can dream, hope, and build the future they deserve.
Human trafficking is a dark crime that exploits people from all walks of life. With the rise of technology, traffickers use it to reach victims worldwide, regardless of age, nationality, or background. These crimes cross borders, shattering human dignity for profit. Every year, human trafficking generates about $150 billion, showing the urgent need for global action.
The US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report highlights international efforts to fight this crime. Thailand remains in Tier 2, showing progress but still needing help to fully meet the standards to end trafficking. Together, we can push for a safer world.
“Regardless of gender, all individuals deserve equal respect as human beings. Yet, a significant hurdle persists: the barrier of mindset. This barrier is often upheld by those who should protect them—whether it's parents, the community, or even those within the justice system.”. - Am, LIFT's social worker Learn more on how LIFT helps individuals affected by online sexual exploitation and human trafficking, whether they are boys or girls. Your support is crucial for CHANGE. Together, we create sustainable change. Today’s kids are tomorrow’s parents, fostering positive transformation in our safer society.
Meet Mikaela, one of the vibrant voices among LIFT’s interns. Her passion for human rights has driven her commitment to fortify LIFT’s mission and its core pillars as our legal intern. As she reflects back on her journey embarked at LIFT, Mikaela’s story encapsulates the spirit of unwavering resilience, and determination.
Sheep are like beings that need care and protection, just like a shepherd does. They also symbolize New Zealand, where LIFT originated and where these sheep are commonly seen. When we think about LIFT's mission, it's a powerful reminder of what matters most to us: safeguarding people's lives from human trafficking.
This blog, titled "LIFT," is part of a special written series called "LIFE / LEARN / LIFT." Our goal is to inspire individuals who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in this world and liberating countless lives from the horrors of human trafficking. No matter where you currently are at in the fight against human trafficking, the LIFT team is here to inspire and uplift you with our compelling stories of supporting lives like Fai's*[1]. Whether you're part of an organization, in the government, a supporter, a frontline worker, or a member of society, it's essential to recognize that you hold powerful resources in your hands to redress the injustice faced by those oppressed by human trafficking.
This blog, titled "LEARN," is part of a special written series called "LIFE / LEARN / LIFT." Our goal is to inspire individuals who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in this world and liberating countless lives from the horrors of human trafficking.
Success in assisting survivors is not an overnight achievement; it's difficult to measure the impact in a short period of time. The lesson we've learned from our former survivor is that LIFT serves as the "best classroom" for members, enabling them to overcome obstacles with resilience. At LIFT, we've witnessed firsthand how our dedication to uplifting survivors' lives also uplifts the hearts of our staff and organization.
LIFT International’s mission focuses on prosecuting and preventing human trafficking by strengthening justice systems. When it comes to the Tier results, we see them as an annual opportunity to use them as a self-reflection tool. Specifically, we aim to clearly observe our progress in fulfilling our mission and our ability to contribute to society in tackling human trafficking. Thailand ranks among the nations meeting Tier 2 standards this year, as recognized in last year's rankings. While we hold the futuristic hope of raising the standards for combating human trafficking in Thailand, we also acknowledge that reaching and maintaining this level has been possible due to the efforts and cooperation from all sectors in dealing with the progressive tactics of perpetrators in the modern day.
"LIFE / LEARN / LIFT" is a special three-part story that recounts the life of a person who overcame the trauma of sexual trafficking. LIFT highlights the importance of justice in uplifting their lives and restoring them to a beautiful state of strength once again.
LIFT’s goal is to strengthen the legal system so that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims' loss and dignity are restored. What becomes of the immeasurable damage, shattered dreams, and forfeited happiness that the victim experience? Unfortunately, since Thai law operates under the civil law system, tangible losses are mainly considered. We work tirelessly to help survivors receive compensation for their losses, which is a tough challenge for our team.
The New Year countdown is drawing close and we are reflecting on this past year. It has been a year filled with many stories and challenges for LIFT. However, we can rejoice in the results of our work from our joined hands and team unity.As you know human trafficking is a complicated issue and needs cross-sector collaboration to solve. Even though the coronavirus epidemic (Covid-19) has slightly reduced, its effects have permanently changed our workflows.Through this blog we hope you see what LIFT has experienced, both highs and lows, and rejoice with us.
In 2019 law enforcement terminated a massage parlour in Bangkok. Amidst the chaos, a sixteen years old girl, Ying*, sat quietly in the corner crying, her body shaking. This had been her first day at work, having just arrived at work. A manager promised her 50,000 THB or around 2,300 NZD, if she serviced a businessman. Customers are willing to pay extra for a girl like Ying who has never had a sexual experience. However, she was saved from being exploited by an illegal underage prostitution business. Now, she is at home and continues her studies after completing her recovery process. Ying is a lucky girl for receiving LIFT's assistance but there are many similar stories of girls in tears with fear of being a victim of sex trafficking. Read this story and learn how we can wipe and replace the tears of fear with joy.
Each year those working in the human trafficking field have focused on the release of the Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) by the USA Department of State. This year Thailand has been raised to Tier 2, moving up from being a country in Tier 2 Watchlist. This year the report mentioned that Thailand has not yet met minimum standards to eradicate human trafficking. However, it has shown an improvement in efforts compared to last year.
In each human trafficking and sexual exploitation scenario, the key players to consider, are the offender and the survivor. As the world has changed, so has the supply and demand for sexual trafficking. This has affected how we identify both players, and required us to adjust our anti-trafficking strategy. Together we can fight this problem from wherever we are.
Virtual relationships via social media can sometimes intensify by exchanging private clips and photos. Sadly, once private information has been shared, a new friend may turns out to be an offender, and threaten victims to record their own sexually abusive media. This is known as'sextortion,' and it is a growing threat to our younger generation.
In Thai culture, we frequently say that schools are like a second home for children. Most parents expect that their kids will receive a good standard of education and care during the school day which lasts 6 to 8 hours. However, there are some reasons why some Thai students felt at risk of sexual harassment at school.
LIFT International assisted with a case in which 16 offenders were arrested on human trafficking charges. Three of these offenders, in this case called recruiters, were once victims themselves.
The 2021 US TIP Report saw Thailand demoted from Tier 2 to Tier 2 Watch List. We grieve with our partners in government and law enforcement who have set their sights on a Tier 1 goal, and also commit alongside them to accept the challenge and recommendations made by the TIP Report to do whatever it takes to reach that goal.
LIFT Lawyer, Wiliyasinee Rinya, speaks about the changes she has seen in the Thai judiciary system regarding care for the mental health and well being of human trafficking survivors.
LIFT and our partners hosted a seminar on Forensic Interviewing for the Maximum Benefit of Children and Adolescents, a Victim-Centered approach to interviewing child victims of sexual exploitation and abuse.
