TIP Part 2

Thoughts about Trafficking In Persons (TIP) in Poipet, Cambodia.

In Part 1, I wrote about four things that can help us respond to human trafficking as individuals and churches (understand the local context, use language carefully, ask questions & remember God). We need to find ways to relate to children and adults who are at risk of being trafficked. The question is how?

Here are the final three ideas:

5. Cooperate With Others

Not only has God been here since before I arrived in Poipet, but there are also government and non-government organizations that have already been established. There is no need to start another children's home. It's already been done.

Mercy Ministries Foundation (MMF) operates a children’s home and some of those in their care have been victims of trafficking. Cambodian Hope Organization (CHO) offers a temporary shelter for those being brought out of trafficking and exploitation. They offer re-integration programs and work with the government in reconnecting victims to their families. Damnok Toek operates a similar temporary shelter. Don Bosco and Krousar Themy have two separate shelters. Through informal interviews with staff at the above shelters, it is important to note that none of them are full. Why open another centre when the shelters already established are not operating to their capacity?

For men, women and children who have been rescued from slavery, it makes sense to provide a safe place for them away from the border. The Cambodian Women’s Crisis Centre (CWCC) have a safe shelter in another city in Banteay Meanchey Province. Hagar operates two shelters in Phnom Penh for women and children. Why open another safe haven when other groups have already done so?

In Poipet, there is a network of organizations who are working in partnership to reduce the numbers of people who are trafficked across the Thai-Cambodia border. BIG-C (Border Issues Group- Children) has a broad strategy to tackle trafficking through a 5-point plan: prevention, protection, rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Christians don’t always have a reputation for generous cooperation. Critics often point to the division within the church as proof enough that followers of Jesus do better at building their own Kingdoms rather than working together to see the Reality of Jesus. Doesn’t it make more sense for us to show extraordinary generosity as we actively seek to work in partnership with others? Those of us who are schooled in Christian doctrine should understand the truth that there is corruption in every person… and even with that, amazing potential for good.

6. Value The Church

Cambodia’s history of war and violence has affected today’s patterns of human trafficking. Societal structures and respect for elders have been severely undermined. Lack of social capital places children in vulnerable positions without guidance and support.

“Poverty pushes parents to cross the border and work, it pushes parents to push their children to beg or carry umbrellas for tourists, all of which weakens family and community networks and increases vulnerability. Poor parental health, particularly the presence of HIV/AIDs and addictions to alcohol and drugs leave children without family structure and guidance. Many children in the area of Poipet live on their own or in small gangs. In some cases their parents have died, in other cases children can not return home until they have enough money to present to their parents. Such brings increased risk of drug use (a large problem among the youth in Poipet) through which, trust levels within communities are damaged and desperation for money fuels the trafficking problem. Such problems all create and fuel insufficient community networks, levels of trust, collective action, social inclusion and access to information and communication all of which according to the World Bank demonstrate the presence of social capital within a community.” (Jessica Cope)

Research shows social capital is an important factor for sustainable development and prosperous communities. When evident, communities are more inclined to work together on common needs making projects more effective and sustainable through greater inclusion, cohesion, transparency and accountability.

While the Church cannot be defined simply in sociological terms, it can and should develop social capital. The church can provide guidance and support for those who are vulnerable. The church can help people find their identity and dignity as people who have been created by God and deeply loved by God. The church can help people build trusting relationships. The church can share resources amongst members so that those who have more than enough may share with those who are poor (causing rich and poor to rejoice together). Churches don’t need to add complicated programs to their list of activities in order to fulfill this mission. Instead, just keep loving God and loving people. Be faithful to the simple commands of Jesus. Be God's shelter, don't build a shelter. Invest in people, not in another building fund. Value the church, the people of God.

7. Consider Alternative Responses

We need to recognize that there are different options available to us as we seek to respond to the needs of people in our cities. There isn’t one method that is going to reach all people. If we look to find a “standard solution” for healing the sick, for example, we won’t find one in the Scriptures. Jesus used a variety of “techniques” in healing people. Sometimes he healed individuals, at other times he healed crowds of people. Sometimes put his hand on the person, alternatively Jesus spoke over them. Maybe his most infamous technique was to mix his spit with dirt and apply that strange paste on a blind man who wanted to see.

There are many creative ways in which that we can prayerfully, joyfully respond to the poor who live amongst us. It comes down to discerning what it means to love. It isn’t just about service that makes me feel good. It’s about understanding the heart of God, the needs of the community and asking for creative wisdom in how to respond in love.

Conclusion

When there's a young girl alone at night, metres from the International border, digging into a pile of rubbish to find food, I want to respond. When I hear of an 11-year-girl reportedly sold by her parents, I’m moved with a mixture of anger and love. I'm thankful that in recent months I've been able to come home and talk about these issues with my friend/ housemate Jessica Cope. Jess has been doing a research project about trafficking in the Poipet area. Jess does the research. I read her notes after she’s gone to bed. We explore ideas over cups of tea. These notes are an expression of where my thinking is at now.... especially when I hear that another church group wants to open a kids home.

Let’s not open another home for children at risk. Instead, may God help us respond with wisdom, creativity and love to our neighbours who happen to be poor- both in Poipet and in other parts of the world.