Two children have been set free from physical and psychological abuse at the hands of human traffickers.
Perpetrators had lured a nine-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy away from their homes in the Central Ethiopia Regional State by promising them work further south. Both children had been exploited for child labour and domestic servitude.
They were found in a distressed state on the street by members of one of Hope for Justice’s Self-Help Groups. They contacted relevant individuals in the community for assistance.
Gaboo Development Idir – a financial and social institution – in Ethiopia, had recently been trained by Hope for Justice and were instrumental in providing support.
We had provided training on how traffickers operate, how to identify recruitment tactics and other methods used by exploiters. We had also equipped them with modern slavery awareness. This meant they were able to identify the children as potential victims and worked with other agencies and community groups to bring them to safety.
Hope for Justice’s local Self-Help Groups and Cluster Level Associations (CLA) assisted, as well as the Kidigisa Community Facilitator, project officer, Woreda Police and the local government office. Together, we provided comprehensive support for the children, including food, clothing and medical treatment.
This coordinated effort by multiple organisations exemplifies the power of community and inter-organisational cooperation in protecting vulnerable children.
Zawudu Jabir, Idir Coordinator
Hope for Justice has been working alongside Gaboo Idir to help them strengthen their role within the community as a leader in preventing modern slavery and in protecting children from trafficking and exploitation. The self-help organisation is made up of members who must accept the by-laws and regulations set by the Idir. It operates as a safety net in the community, supporting members during times of need, particularly during bereavement.
Prior to the training, Zawudu said he had limited knowledge about modern slavery and human trafficking.
He told us: “The training and resources provided by Hope for Justice have catalysed significant changes in Gaboo Development Idir, expanding its mission to include preventing modern slavery, supporting child protection and promoting positive parenting. We have been able to trace the children’s family addresses and coordinate a safe return process, ensuring the children were placed back in their families’ care. They are no longer at risk of re-trafficking.”
As a result of training from Hope for Justice, the organisation is now ensuring that is promotes anti-trafficking measures and is working to establish trust between its members to ensure that they report suspicious activities. It has also incorporated new rules and regulations focused on combating modern slavery and child trafficking. For example, they are renewing their focus on protecting children who are at risk and creating a safer community environment.
Executives of Gaboo Idir
The Idir has also incorporated a new by-law to help prevent child marriages in their community and within the Hadiya Zone. This measure aims to protect girls and boys from being forced into early marriages that can often lead to lifelong consequences, including limited access to education, economic dependence and increased risk of exploitation.
The organisation has also established rules against employing minors in domestic labour. This is to safeguard children from physical, emotional and psychological abuse.
Furthermore, Gaboo Idir has adopted measures to prevent child traffickers from recruiting in their community. They have established clear guidelines to discourage any cooperation with traffickers, working with community members to identify and report potential traffickers or recruiters.
The team is now advocating for child protection by organising awareness campaigns on modern slavery and human trafficking. These campaigns have taken place at several community gatherings, including social meetings and mourning gatherings. They are also holding public awareness sessions to empower community members to recognise threats and to take preventative action, especially in areas which may be at higher risk of trafficking.
Gaboo Idir is looking to access further training to develop its members’ skills and knowledge, with the view to improving their advocacy efforts and taking on more complex issues related to child protection. They are committed to strengthening connections with supportive organisations and local government offices, and intend to continue collaborating with Hope for Justice to develop stronger prevention and intervention measures.
Hope for Justice has also provided Gaboo Idir with materials such as books, pens, paper and other stationary to assist them in documenting meetings, tracking activities and establishing formal structure for new policies.
Zawudu said: “Collaboratively, we can make a meaningful difference in our community.”
Daniel Woldesilase, one of Hope for Justice’s Project Officers, said: “Through the efforts of Hope for Justice, Zawudu and his colleagues have gained the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take on new responsibilities within their community. They are now positioned as agents of change, working diligently to safeguard those who are most at risk of modern slavery and prevent the destructive impact of trafficking and exploitation.”
