START FREEDOM
Crossing continents, changing communities and coming to a school near you, START FREEDOM is a campaign designed to engage minds and create action against human trafficking - a
crime affecting young people all over the world, every second of every day.
‘I was 12 when I was trafficked from Bangladesh to England. I was forced to work in Indian restaurants where my life was controlled by the owners. I couldn’t go to school and slept on the
street or in the storeroom between bags of onions and jars of chutney’
Masud (not his real name)
Launched today in partnership with and from the United Nations in New York, START FREEDOM provides a way for young people to campaign against trafficking and change the world for people
like Masud.
Watch the launch presented by young activists from around the world on www.startfreedom.org. Using the website, access can be gained to unique resources designed to empower and help keep those
most at risk safe.
The campaign culminates in March 2010 with START FREEDOM week where those involved can share their stories to create the Greatest Freedom Show on Earth.
‘I read about a girl trafficked from the UK to Italy, she was forced to work on the streets, beaten, threatened and repeatedly raped. I thought about my life: school, mum and dad, hanging out,
parties … freedom. It makes me sick that people treat each other like something you can buy at a market. People are not like mobile phones or coats! My school
is taking part in START FREEDOM, I’m glad we found a way to tell the world we care.’
Sam (15 year old campaigner)
Today, with the launch of START FREEDOM, people like Sam will begin to help make it harder for traffickers to recruit and easier for communities to draw a line to trafficking.
STOP THE TRAFFIK believe everyone has a right to freedom and everyone has a duty to stand up for those whose freedom has been taken away.
‘Whether you’re at work, school or home, if you don’t stand up for those hidden in your community, who will? Young people sometimes feel like they
can’t make a difference but we know that’s not true and this new project is going to inspire a new wave of activists set to change the world!’
Victoria Kuhr of STOP THE TRAFFIK
Contact
For more information on STOP THE TRAFFIK activities, please email info@stopthetraffik.org or call the International Office on +44 (0)207 921 4258.
Alternatively, visit the websites www.startfreedom.org and www.stopthetraffik.org
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