Under Agar Ethiopia’s anti-trafficking program, we established a Survivors Alliance Group where survivors of trafficking voice their experiences, raise awareness and advocate for the rights of others. Sara (a pseudonym), a refugee living in Addis Ababa, planned to travel to Canada through Kenya and Uganda, crossing borders on foot with the help of a broker. A member of the Survivors Alliance, who attends the same church as Sara, heard about her plan and tried to convince her to reconsider. Recognizing the danger, the member reported the case to the Addis Ababa City Administration and the Bureau of Justice Partnership Coalition through a hotline.
The police, with the member’s assistance, followed up on the brokers and caught them red-handed while trying to collect Sara and other girls to take them to the southern route by
ambulance. After months of investigation and trial, the traffickers were convicted and sentenced to 3-5 years of imprisonment. These convictions are part of a broader effort, with 17 traffickers convicted in 2024 G.C. alone.
Let’s recognize the power of community vigilance and the importance of survivor-led advocacy in combating human trafficking. By empowering survivors to speak out and take action, we can disrupt trafficking networks and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. The successful intervention in Sara’s case not only saved her from a potentially dangerous journey but also brought justice to those who prey on the vulnerable.
