Dispelling myths about human trafficking 

Human trafficking is a grave and pervasive issue that affects communities worldwide, including ours in Lesotho. At Beautiful Dream Society (BDS), we believe knowledge is power, and through education, we can empower our community to take action against this form of modern-day slavery. We hope to highlight key aspects of human trafficking, helping you recognize the signs, understand the correct actions to take, and dispel common myths.

Recognizing the signs

Human trafficking can be less obvious than many people think, and recognizing the signs is the first step toward combating it. Signs can vary widely but often include:

  • Lack of personal freedom: The individual appears to be under the control of someone else and does not have the freedom to move or speak for themselves.
  • Poor living conditions: They may be living in unsuitable conditions, show signs of physical abuse, or lack medical care.
  • Unusual work hours or conditions: They may work excessively long hours, under unusual restrictions, or have no access to their earnings.
  • Few or no personal possessions: Often, trafficked persons have no identification documents or personal possessions.
  • Overly fearful or submissive behavior: They might seem anxious, avoid eye contact, or have a fearful response to authority figures.

What to do if you suspect trafficking

If you believe someone may be a victim of trafficking, it’s essential to take the proper steps:

  • Do not confront: Confronting traffickers directly can be dangerous for you and the victim.
  • Report to authorities: Contact local law enforcement or a human trafficking hotline. In Lesotho, you can contact BDS or other local organizations dedicated to fighting human trafficking.
  • Document what you see: If it’s safe, note details like the person’s appearance, any accompanying individuals, and vehicle details. This information can be crucial for investigators.

Dispelling myths about human trafficking

Many myths surround human trafficking, which can hinder our ability to fight it effectively. Some common myths include:

  • Myth: It only happens in illegal or underground industries. Reality: Human trafficking can occur in legitimate sectors such as restaurants, cleaning services, and agriculture.
  • Myth: Only women and girls can be victims of trafficking. Reality: Men and boys are also vulnerable to trafficking for labor exploitation, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse.
  • Myth: Human trafficking involves moving people across borders. Reality: Human trafficking can and does occur domestically. A victim doesn’t need to be transported anywhere for trafficking to take place.

Understanding human trafficking is the first step in fighting it. By learning to recognize the signs, knowing what actions to take, and dispelling myths, we can contribute to a solution. At BDS, we work tirelessly to educate our community, support victims, and advocate for change.

If you want help educating those in your church or workplace about human trafficking, reach out; we’d love to partner with you to ensure everyone can be on the lookout.