Advocacy Coalitions Alert Funding Suspension Could Facilitate Forced Labor
An alliance of 74 advocacy, legal, and faith-based entities across the nation has expressed concerns regarding the freezing of eighty-eight million dollars in government funds allocated for victims of modern slavery.
Assistance Programs Under Threat
As stated in a unified message, the US Department of Justice has suspended funding for over a hundred service providers that aid survivors break free from exploiters and secure crucial support including emergency shelter, therapy, and personalized care.
"Allowing such resources to disappear would facilitate modern slavery and put survivors’ lives at risk," the communication emphasizes. "Numerous areas will lack their sole assistance organization, abandoning individuals with no safe emergency housing."
Call to Action
The group is pressuring Congress to push the executive branch to release the funding to support numerous victims nationwide.
This request comes after reports that the administration has rolled back efforts to address human trafficking, though representatives reject any pullback on human rights actions.
Impact on Communities
- Numerous support groups had their resources cut starting the last day of September.
- Lacking financial support, survivors may go without to crucial assistance like safe shelter, therapy, and representation.
- Traffickers could act without fear, increasing risks for vulnerable populations.
Administration's Position
In response to concerns over the delayed allocation, the DOJ clarified that funds allocated by lawmakers would be spent eventually, but added that former beneficiaries might not get financial support in the coming years.
Upcoming allocations will be decided aligned with the government's priorities, the office commented.
Longstanding Backing
The communication also highlights that the legislative branch has repeatedly approved to fund these services over the previous decades, reinforcing the essential role of adequately resourcing lifesaving programs to safeguard victims and avoid repeat victimization.
