Holiday Gift Guide: How to Help Human Trafficking Victims

by Amanda Kloer · 2009-11-27 07:00:00 UTC
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In the U.S. and many other parts of the world, the December holiday season has become synonymous with the three S's: shopping, spending, and stuff. We spend millions of dollars on sweaters and iPods and toys made in overseas factories by exploited workers, children, and slaves. But this holiday season, you have an opportunity to do something revolutionary: shop for freedom. You can take a stand against human trafficking and exploitation by spending your money on gifts and products which help trafficking victims. This three-part holiday shopping guide (see part one here) is intended to empower you as a consumer to choose to buy products that support the freedom of workers this holiday season. The resources here are by no means exhaustive, and I encourage you to educate yourself on all companies you choose to buy from. Happy and free shopping!

Part 2: Where to Find Gifts That Help Human Trafficking Victims

Buying Fair Trade and ethically-produced items can help prevent human trafficking and slavery, but there are also a number of products which directly benefit victims of human trafficking who are working to overcome their experience with slavery. Some of these are made by survivors as part of skills-building programs and others are produced by nonprofits who serve victims of human trafficking. Buying products which benefit trafficking victims is a great way to make a difference through a simple act of holiday shopping. Here are some places to buy products which benefit human trafficking victims:

Free the Slaves Store: Some products are made by human trafficking survivors and proceeds benefit nonprofits which work with survivors.

Made By Survivors: Products are made by human trafficking survivors around the world and proceeds benefit nonprofits which work with survivors.

Not for Sale Store: Some products are made by human trafficking survivors and proceeds benefit the Not for Sale Campaign.

Riji Green: Some products are made by human trafficking survivors and a portion of the proceeds benefit International Justice Mission.

Sapa Sapa: Soap is handmade by artisans and proceeds benefit nonprofits which work with survivors.

Stop Traffick Fashion: Products are made by human trafficking survivors and a portion of revenues benefit nonprofits which work with survivors.

Throughout the year, I've featured weekly "Red Light Specials," highlighting products which benefit human trafficking survivors. You can view the collection of Red Light Special posts here, and  many of them are available from the above resources.

Do you have a favorite place to buy products which benefit human trafficking survivors? If so, please share it with us in the comments.

Photo credit: joguldi

Amanda Kloer is a Change.org Editor and has been a full-time abolitionist in several capacities for seven years. Follow her on Twitter @endhumantraffic
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