Spotlight on human trafficking to mark Victims of Crime Week

”Albertans don’t need to stand by – they can stand up.”

Edmonton will become the first Canadian city to proclaim a Human Trafficking Awareness Day next week. It is part of a series of events across Alberta to raise awareness of a growing national, international and local crime.

The proclamation will be made on April 13, at the Stanley Milner Library at noon. It comes during the National Victims of Crime Week, which is meant to raise awareness of issues and services for victims across the country.

The proclamation makes note of ACT Alberta’s leadership role in raising awareness and supporting victims of human trafficking. ACT Alberta is also sponsoring a series of events across the province during the week.

“This is a great opportunity to help educate the public and get people involved in the fight against this heinous crime,” says Andrea Burkhart, Executive Director of ACT Alberta.

“Human trafficking is one of the most hidden human rights abuses in Canada. Every day people are exploited for sex and labour in Edmonton and many people don’t realize it is happening.” Burkhart says. “When people realize that it’s not a far away problem, they want to step up and get involved.”

ACT Alberta is one of the first initiatives in Canada to bring a coordinated attack to stopping this heinous crime and aiding its victims. The organization brings together those involved in policing, in assisting trafficked persons and in creating public awareness.

There will be a Lunch and Learn following the ceremony hosted by the Edmonton Social Planning Council at the Stanley Milner Library from noon to one pm.

ACT Alberta will also be hosting a coffee house at Carrot Community Arts Coffee House (9351 118 Ave NW) on Sunday, April 10th from 7 to 9 pm. The event will focus on who the victims of human trafficking are, and collecting funds for ACT’s survivor assistance fund.

The fund is used to help pay for transportation, counselling and other supports for survivors of human trafficking in Edmonton.

Human trafficking is one of the most lucrative criminal enterprises in the world, on the same scale as drugs and arms smuggling. It destroys lives, families and communities in virtually every country in the world. ACT Alberta is calling on people here to help us “act” against it.

“All Albertans can play a part,” Burkhart says. “By acting locally we can make a difference here and create ripples around the world. Albertans don’t need to stand by – they can stand up.”

ACT operates chapters across Alberta, each concerned with building local capacity to identify and respond to human trafficking. There are currently chapters in Edmonton, Lac La Biche, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Red Deer and Calgary. Funding comes from the Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Ministry, volunteer contributions and the generous support of The Body Shop.