Human Rights Coalitions Caution Funding Hold Could Facilitate Modern Slavery
A consortium of over seventy advocacy, legal, and faith-based groups across the United States has expressed concerns regarding the freezing of $88 million in public money designated for survivors of human trafficking.
Assistance Programs in Jeopardy
As stated in a collective communication, the Justice Department has frozen monetary aid for more than 100 assistance organizations that assist individuals escape their traffickers and access crucial support including emergency shelter, therapy, and personalized care.
"Letting these funds to disappear would facilitate modern slavery and threaten lives," the letter states. "Various communities will lose their sole assistance organization, stranding victims with nowhere to turn for shelter."
Call to Action
The group is pressuring Congress to compel the executive branch to release the financial support to protect thousands of trafficking survivors throughout the US.
This appeal is in response to reports that the national leadership has scaled down efforts to fight forced labor, though spokespersons reject any pullback on victim support policies.
Impact on Communities
- Several service organizations saw their funding end starting the final day of the previous month.
- Without this funding, survivors may lose access to crucial assistance such as emergency housing, therapy, and advocacy.
- Traffickers could act without fear, increasing risks for vulnerable populations.
Official Statement
When asked about concerns over the delayed allocation, the DOJ clarified that money appropriated by Congress would be utilized at a later time, but noted that past recipients wouldn’t necessarily get financial support in the future.
Subsequent funding will be decided based on the current administration's priorities, the office said.
Past Endorsement
The letter further notes that the legislative branch has consistently supported to fund these programs over the past 25 years, reinforcing the essential role of adequately resourcing lifesaving programs to protect survivors and stop further abuse.
