Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery 

According to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), every year as many as 2½ million individuals fall victim to human trafficking around the globe. Women and children are especially endangered. COM International is proactive in the fight against trafficking.

Individuals are hired, traded and tendered for sexual exploitation in prostitution, for labour exploitation, the production of pornographic material, and the removal of internal organs.

Enforced labour, bonded labour, enforced marriage, forced begging, and drug smuggling are practices which represent modern forms of slavery. They are different forms of exploitation, often combined with threats, violence, coercion, deception and/or the abuse of power, from which the victims are rarely able to escape by their own efforts.

HOW WE HELP

Prevention
Children who come from broken homes or are neglected are in danger of finding themselves in circumstances of exploitation. To counteract this, COM International, in collaboration with its partners, trains foster families who are willing to take in such children. The latter are supported in their personal and educational development till they are ready to be independent. Others get holistic support in day-care centres and night-time shelters.

Liberating and repatriating victims
In collaboration with local organisations, COM International engages in targeted operations at border crossings to free children, teenagers and women from relationships of exploitation in which they are trapped. In half-way houses close to the frontiers the affected persons are given protection and psychological support. The goal is that they can return to their families, unless this would put their safety at risk. Others find refuge in shelter houses provided by our partners.

Rehabilitation
Caring for traumatised children and women requires professional and individual support. To work through such harrowing experiences often takes years. It is a journey towards a life of dignity and independence on which victims are accompanied with respect und appreciation.

Prosecution
Accurate legal knowledge of national law is essential, together with evidence, if criminal proceedings are to be initiated successfully. Many women are willing to bring criminal charges if they feel safe and supported.

Reintegration
The reintegration of victims into society poses a major challenge. COM International assists victims with training and development courses as well as in their search for an employment situation, so as to facilitate successful reintegration.

Switzerland
Information meetings and street events coordinated by COM International draw attention to the complex connections entailed in human trafficking. The aim is to raise awareness for this injustice within society and gain broader support for action against such crime. Switzerland is both a destination and a transit country for human trafficking.