Hope in action: Tearfund supporters visit human trafficking work in Thailand

The Tearfund supporters group and staff, and the LIFT staff.

Nine Kiwi supporters recently visited Thailand with Tearfund to witness the extraordinary work of our partner, LIFT, in combatting modern slavery.

These donors, primarily lawyers and mental health professionals, encountered the reality of modern slavery and witnessed the courage of those working to end it. One LIFT investigator shared, “Being on the frontline isn’t easy, but we realise we need to face it for the victims who are being trafficked. I know if we aren’t doing it, the victims will still be trapped there.”

“We know there are people behind us trying to help them. Tearfund supporters help me know we can do it! We can help more victims. I want them to know that their support from far away makes an impact in people’s lives here in this country in Southeast Asia.”

The group spent a week in Chiang Mai following the progression of human trafficking work, from the identification of suspects to survivors’ restoration from exploitation and abuse. Each day the supporters learnt about a consecutive step in combating human trafficking.

Shirley Reynolds, Peter McKenzie-Bridle, and Kate McKenzie- Bridle following a fake perpetrator’s social media trail during the investigations workshop.

Kate McKenzie-Bridle, a lawyer from Wellington, summed up the interactive workshops and site visits as “A fantastic programme that enabled us to see LIFT’s work end-to-end, intelligence gathering and forensics, through prosecution to survivor care.”

The group were immersed in learning about LIFT’s complex and often heart-wrenching removal and restoration of human trafficking survivors from harm. The group witnessed the vital importance of their steady financial support in helping to build LIFT’s resilience and hope to achieve justice for the most vulnerable.

On day one, the group delved into the investigative techniques LIFT employs for online surveillance to track and identify suspected traffickers. The Tearfund supporters learnt how social media has become an accessible vehicle for trapping vulnerable people but also a valuable avenue for intelligence gathering. After being given an imaginary scenario by LIFT investigators, the team experienced the intensity of real-world cases, from combing through social media clues to identifying a hidden ‘perpetrator’ in the streets of Chiang Mai. The challenges of identifying targets, gaining evidence, and detecting people involved in trafficking became clear and confronting.

The next day was focused on the prosecution step of LIFT’s process. Tim Oliver, a lawyer from Wanganui, explains, “We went to the High Court and met with the Chief Judge. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into Thailand’s judicial system, and we were able to go into one of the courtrooms and see how they run a trial.”

The day of the group’s District Court visit coincided with a landmark human trafficking case that was being heard that day, with the LIFT team present to support survivors during the witness hearing. Two teenage survivors received justice as the perpetrator was eventually convicted and is now awaiting the verdict of his sentence.

Tim said, “The biggest challenge is that a lot of the survivors are young. Getting evidence is difficult, so they work with social workers on that.”

The Tearfund supporters group joined LIFT in a visit to Chiang Mai’s District Court, meeting with the Chief Justice and his staff.

The outcome of this case demonstrates the dedication and calibre of LIFT’s legal team, which has seen them become a crucial ally in Thailand’s fight against trafficking, earning the respect of law enforcement and judiciary alike by providing vital assistance to see human trafficking cases brought to trial.

Lastly, the supporters joined LIFT’s social workers for a moving visit to a faith-based safe house, dedicated to seeing the long-term recovery of girls and women who have been trafficked or abused — resident survivors can be as young as four years old. After seeing the professionalism of the wrap-around services, including medical and psychological care, counselling, ongoing education and vocational training, Lucy Oliver, a counsellor from Wanganui, said she left inspired by the compassionate and professional work of the team. “They are working with not for survivors, investing faith, hope and love into the survivors. You believe in them having a life and a future – that all is not lost,” she says.

As they wrapped up the week, the supporters reflected that every step of the process was informative and impacting on a personal and professional level.

“My eyes have been opened to this amazing work,” shared Shirley Raymond from Auckland as she reflected on the week with Tearfund’s partner. “We live in a broken, dark world, but you are a light. You are Jesus’ hands and feet.”

No trip to Thailand would be complete without street market shopping, a cultural dance show and learning to cook Thai delicacies. The ‘tourist’ times together with the Tearfund team provided fabulous moments of connection and entertainment, finishing the trip with a meaningful time of reflection, encouragement, and prayer as we committed to walking together in the ongoing fight for justice.

Empowered by your support, Tearfund’s partners are transforming lives, bringing justice and offering hope for a better future to those who need it most. Join us in making a difference.

Contact Charlotte Rowse, National Partnerships Manager, to learn how to join a supporters’ field visit.

Find out more

Quick facts about human trafficking

• 50 million people globally are trapped in modern slavery
• The Asia-Pacific region has the highest number of people in forced labour (15.1m).
• Online trafficking is a growing threat.
• Tearfund assists our local partners’ work with trafficking survivors in prevention, prosecution, protection, and the development of community and legal policy.