Iraq is a source, transit, and destination point for human trafficking – a complex, hidden crime driven by structural inequalities, protracted conflict, and a demand for inexpensive construction, agriculture, and domestic labor. Traffickers prey on vulnerable people's need for economic security and safety, often targeting migrant workers by trapping them in forced labor under false employment promises. Others exploit the unique vulnerabilities of women and girls from neighboring countries and host communities for sex trafficking.
SEED's Approach
Deliver Transformational Services
Providing life-saving services to survivors of trafficking and those at risk, including:
- Safe shelter
- Legal services
- Mental health and psychosocial support
- Cash assistance
- Repatriation
Empower Communities
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Increasing individual and community-level awareness to protect vulnerable people, transform misconceptions, and end human trafficking.
Increase Local Capacity
- Training and educating government and NGO frontline service providers to safely identify and respond to survivors, including civil society, law enforcement, judges, and immigration officials
- Developing Standard Operating Procedures for frontline service providers
Strengthen Systems
- Conducting research to strengthen the understanding of how TIP manifests in Iraq and how it is being responded to
- Strengthening legislation to criminalize TIP that ensures dignified and rights-based responses to survivors
- Supporting the establish a response mechanism to address TIP cases in KRI
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