Human Rights Groups Alert Funding Suspension Could Facilitate Forced Labor
A coalition of over seventy religious, legal, and support entities across the United States has expressed concerns regarding the delaying of $88 million in federal funding earmarked for victims of modern slavery.
Support Systems in Jeopardy
Per a joint letter, the US Department of Justice has frozen monetary aid for in excess of 100 service providers that help victims escape their traffickers and obtain necessary resources like housing, counseling, and case management.
"Letting this money to disappear would enable human trafficking and put survivors’ lives at risk," the letter states. "Many regions will lose their sole assistance organization, abandoning individuals with nowhere to turn for shelter."
Appeal for Intervention
The group is pressuring Congress to compel the administration to reinstate the allocated money to safeguard thousands of trafficking survivors across the country.
This plea is in response to findings that the national leadership has scaled down efforts to fight human trafficking, though representatives dispute any retreat on victim support actions.
Effects on Local Areas
- Many support groups lost their financial backing as of the final day of the previous month.
- Lacking financial support, individuals may go without to essential support such as safe shelter, therapy, and legal aid.
- Exploiters could act without fear, increasing risks for vulnerable populations.
Official Statement
In response to questions over the delayed allocation, the department indicated that public dollars would be distributed in due course, but emphasized that former beneficiaries might not get financial support in the future.
Upcoming allocations will be made in accordance with the leadership's priorities, the department explained.
Historical Support
The communication further notes that the legislative branch has overwhelmingly voted to fund these services over the past 25 years, underscoring the vital necessity of adequately resourcing essential services to assist individuals and prevent re-exploitation.
