Sheep are like beings that need care and protection, just like a shepherd does. They also symbolize New Zealand, where LIFT originated and where these sheep are commonly seen. When we think about LIFT's mission, it's a powerful reminder of what matters most to us: safeguarding people's lives from human trafficking.
Read MoreLIFT International’s mission focuses on prosecuting and preventing human trafficking by strengthening justice systems. When it comes to the Tier results, we see them as an annual opportunity to use them as a self-reflection tool. Specifically, we aim to clearly observe our progress in fulfilling our mission and our ability to contribute to society in tackling human trafficking. Thailand ranks among the nations meeting Tier 2 standards this year, as recognized in last year's rankings. While we hold the futuristic hope of raising the standards for combating human trafficking in Thailand, we also acknowledge that reaching and maintaining this level has been possible due to the efforts and cooperation from all sectors in dealing with the progressive tactics of perpetrators in the modern day.
Read MoreLIFT’s goal is to strengthen the legal system so that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims' loss and dignity are restored. What becomes of the immeasurable damage, shattered dreams, and forfeited happiness that the victim experience? Unfortunately, since Thai law operates under the civil law system, tangible losses are mainly considered. We work tirelessly to help survivors receive compensation for their losses, which is a tough challenge for our team.
Read MoreThe New Year countdown is drawing close and we are reflecting on this past year. It has been a year filled with many stories and challenges for LIFT. However, we can rejoice in the results of our work from our joined hands and team unity.As you know human trafficking is a complicated issue and needs cross-sector collaboration to solve. Even though the coronavirus epidemic (Covid-19) has slightly reduced, its effects have permanently changed our workflows.Through this blog we hope you see what LIFT has experienced, both highs and lows, and rejoice with us.
Read MoreIn 2019 law enforcement terminated a massage parlour in Bangkok. Amidst the chaos, a sixteen years old girl, Ying*, sat quietly in the corner crying, her body shaking. This had been her first day at work, having just arrived at work. A manager promised her 50,000 THB or around 2,300 NZD, if she serviced a businessman. Customers are willing to pay extra for a girl like Ying who has never had a sexual experience. However, she was saved from being exploited by an illegal underage prostitution business. Now, she is at home and continues her studies after completing her recovery process. Ying is a lucky girl for receiving LIFT's assistance but there are many similar stories of girls in tears with fear of being a victim of sex trafficking. Read this story and learn how we can wipe and replace the tears of fear with joy.
Read MoreEach year those working in the human trafficking field have focused on the release of the Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) by the USA Department of State. This year Thailand has been raised to Tier 2, moving up from being a country in Tier 2 Watchlist. This year the report mentioned that Thailand has not yet met minimum standards to eradicate human trafficking. However, it has shown an improvement in efforts compared to last year.
Read MoreThe 2021 US TIP Report saw Thailand demoted from Tier 2 to Tier 2 Watch List. We grieve with our partners in government and law enforcement who have set their sights on a Tier 1 goal, and also commit alongside them to accept the challenge and recommendations made by the TIP Report to do whatever it takes to reach that goal.
Read MoreLIFT Lawyer, Wiliyasinee Rinya, speaks about the changes she has seen in the Thai judiciary system regarding care for the mental health and well being of human trafficking survivors.
Read MoreThere are many myths that persist about human trafficking. It’s often assumed that people who are sold for sex are victimized by physical intimidation or are held behind a locked door, but it doesn’t always happen that way. Psychological intimidation is often just as powerful as physical restraints. Blackmail is often used to trick people into or trap them further in sexual exploitation.
Read MoreSocial workers are on the front lines of identifying and supporting victims of exploitation. Building capacity and supporting them helps to elevate standards of care for victims. We all are working towards the same goal of freedom through justice. It will take all of us to work together to provide care and facilitate healing for victims that allows them to become survivors.
Read MoreThis annual report ranks countries based on their efforts to address human trafficking and provides recommendations for how to improve. Agreements like these provide a framework to address and compare governments’ responses around the world to the crime of human trafficking.
Read MoreLIFT attorney Pik received an award from Thailand’s Prime Minister from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security because of her work representing victims in court for the Blackwrist Case. Awards also went to our law enforcement partners at the Department of Special Investigation.
Read MoreWe seek freedom through justice for all victims of human trafficking and exploitation. In order to make that possible, we believe it will take sustained and strategic efforts with a variety of outcomes. That’s why we pursue cases of not only removing people from harm, but also cases that we believe will have a system-wide, at times global impact on People, Policy, Prevention and Money.
Read MoreOne thing that keeps us inspired in our work is the dedication and commitment of others around the world in the fight against human trafficking, exploitation and injustice of all kinds.
Read MorePart II of series: As Thailand is a “source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children who are subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking,” the need for improved legislation, and a collaborative anti-trafficking response was dire.
Read MoreJane is one of Thailand's most experienced social workers dealing with human trafficking cases. Jane has been a voice for victims of trafficking in Thailand since 2000. She is now the head of LIFT's Aftercare Team in charge of our Protect programs.
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