Give Wings to Freedom. Help Survivors Return Home
SAWSO's January fundraising initiative, launched during National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Our goal: to fund 10 emergency repatriation flights for survivors of human trafficking, helping them return home, rebuild their lives, and begin the journey to healing.
Why Repatriation Matters
Every survivor deserves a way home. For those exited from trafficking - whether for labor or exploitation - the journey home is the first step toward safety and recovery. The Salvation Army's Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) teams work globally to identify, support, and repatriate survivors, providing holistic care that extends beyond the flight itself.
The Scale of Need
Rising Demand, Shrinking Resources
In 2024, The Salvation Army facilitated 1,018 repatriations for survivors across Africa, the Americas, Europe, South Asia, and the South Pacific/East Asia, which was a significant increase from previous years. Yet, the number of people seeking help continues to grow, with more referrals and urgent cases arriving every month.
Global Crisis
Worldwide, thousands more are waiting for assistance. In 2023, the International Organization for Migration supported over 8,238 vulnerable migrants, 27% of whom – or 2,224 - were identified as victims of trafficking. Despite this escalating need, overall funding for repatriation and reintegration is declining, leaving many survivors at risk and local teams struggling to provide essential support.
Global Statistics: The widely cited Global Slavery Index and International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates indicate that about 50 million people were living in modern slavery, including human trafficking, on any given day in 2021. This figure was published in 2022 and is updated every five years (walkfree.org).
A recent study by UK universities (Royal Holloway and Lancaster) revised this estimate upward to approximately 65.3 million people, using multiple data sources for greater accuracy (royalholloway.ac.uk).
Economic Impact
The economic cost or illicit profits from human trafficking and modern slavery are estimated at $236 billion annually by the ILO, with some independent reviews suggesting it could be as high as $498 billion (hopeforjustice.org; gcffc.org).
Your Impact Matters
With less funding available, every donation is critical. Your support helps bridge the gap, ensuring survivors not only return home, but also receive the care and resources they need to rebuild their lives safely.
- Average flight cost: $550
- Reintegration support: $993.83 per person
- Total per survivor: $2,500–$3,500 to get each survivor repatriated and supported while they build a new life over the first twelve months
Labor Trafficking: The Hidden Crisis
While sex trafficking often makes headlines, labor trafficking is a silent epidemic. Survivors are forced into construction, agriculture, domestic work, and other industries, often far from home and without support. The Salvation Army's global response addresses both forms, ensuring survivors of labor trafficking receive the same urgent care and pathway home.
Stories of Hope
Amy's Journey: A Story of how a 14-year-old rebuilt her life after being trafficked
At just 14, Amy was trafficked from the United States into Mexico, enduring years of violence, isolation, and the loss of her identity. After five years, pregnant and desperate for help, she reached out to her mother, who turned to The Salvation Army for support. Through a quiet, coordinated effort involving staff in both countries, the U.S. Embassy, and anti-trafficking specialists, Amy was discreetly reunited with her mother and brought to safety in Los Angeles. She now lives in a confidential Safe House operated by The Salvation Army, where she is rebuilding her life with ongoing support.
Amy's story is not unique. It reflects the complex realities of trafficking and the importance of sustained, collaborative care. The Salvation Army's anti-trafficking work is rooted in partnership and restoration, providing survivors with housing, legal aid, case management, and peer-led programs. In 2023-2024, thousands of survivors like Amy were served, with hundreds receiving transitional or long-term housing and several assisted in repatriation. Amy's journey demonstrates the power of a safe return and the ongoing fight to help survivors reclaim their lives and dignity.
"The goal is not rescue, but restoration. Today, Amy is safe, supported, and making progress on her own terms."
Saanvi and Ishra's Story: A family's reunion after forced labor and separation
"Ishra's past did not determine her future. With courage and support from The Salvation Army, she and her mother, Saanvi, broke free from exploitation. Today, Ishra is creating a life filled with dignity, hope, and possibility."
Saanvi was sold into sexual exploitation by her abusive husband and forced to raise her daughter, Ishra, in a brothel in Bangladesh. Tragically, Ishra was also drawn into the sex trade at a young age. With ongoing support from The Salvation Army, Saanvi eventually left the brothel, but passed away soon after. Inspired by her mother's courage, Ishra sought help, started her own grocery store, and began rebuilding her life with assistance from the Salvation Army's local support program. The program provides safe spaces, education, and skills training for women and children escaping cycles of abuse, and has helped dozens of women leave exploitation behind. Saanvi and Ishra's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of community-led support.
Diego's Story: From labor trafficking to freedom
Diego, a 40-year-old man from Latin America, arrived in Norway with dreams of a better life, lured by promises of stable work and security. Instead, he was trapped in labor trafficking, his wages siphoned away, forced to work long hours, and threatened when he tried to stand up for his rights. After a chance encounter with police, Diego was able to escape and found refuge at the Filemon Safe House, operated by The Salvation Army. There, he received counseling, practical support, and daily work experience, slowly regaining his independence and hope. Diego's story highlights the urgent need for repatriation and holistic support for survivors of labor trafficking, showing how a safe return and ongoing care can help restore dignity and freedom.
"Though the road ahead remains uncertain, Diego holds on to hope. With each passing day, he takes another step towards a life of dignity and freedom."
Kaira's Story: From Modern Slavery to a New Beginning
Kaira's story highlights the importance of coordinated reintegration support for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking.
"It was reassuring having The Salvation Army's full support from the start of the process. I found it helpful having someone at TSA to talk to and being reunited with my family." — Kaira
Kaira*, a survivor of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK, longed to return to her home country, the Philippines, after years away. Through The Salvation Army's Beyond Programme and its network of partners, Kaira received reintegration assistance that included flights, financial aid, and psychosocial support. With help from the UK Home Office Voluntary Return Service (VRS) and the Salvation Army National Contact Person in the Philippines, Kaira safely returned home, reunited with her family, and began rebuilding her life. Today, she runs her own pizza franchise, sustaining her family and reclaiming her independence. Kaira's story demonstrates how collaboration and holistic support can restore dignity and prevent re-trafficking.
How You Can Help
Donate Today. Give the Gift of Freedom.
Every dollar gets us closer to restoring a life. Your gift helps survivors return to safety and begin a new chapter with dignity and care.
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Share Our Impact Stats
1,018
Survivors repatriated by TSA in 2024
$549.65
Average flight cost
$993.83
Reintegration support per person
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Help us reach our goal of 10 flights this January.
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