In a decisive stride towards combating the impacts of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, the Global Africans Against Slavery (GLAAS) has announced a unique initiative. The multi-sectoral partnership of relevant stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling is poised to host a Mental Health Therapy session. This event is designed specifically for survivors of these horrendous crimes ,to occur virtually on Wednesday, 30th of August 2023 at 2PM.
The Global Africans Against Slavery (GLAAS) was formed to eliminate the complex problems of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants(HTMS), by deconstructing the inter-connectedness of the diverse underlying issues influencing its rise in our communities, by synergizing efforts and bringing together diverse understandings of the issue of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in our different nations and communities and forge a path that will unify policy efforts with our field engagements, hinged on the resonances of diverse demography of our socio-cultural and political realities, which shall be extremely effective in demobilizing this menace totally.
Human trafficking and migrant smuggling, beyond their physically manifest violations, often inflict victims with severe psychological damage. These traumas may result in a range of mental health disorders, including but not limited to, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. The complex nature of these traumas can lead to lasting impacts on a victim’s mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
“GLAAS recognizes the importance of survivors in the fight against these heinous crimes. The survivors’ experiences not only provide invaluable insights into the modus operandi of traffickers and smugglers but also reflect the structural and systemic issues in societies that facilitate these crimes. Through this initiative, GLAAS aims to lend a voice to the survivors and demonstrate their critical role in dismantling the syndicates of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.” Ma Imahkus Njinga Okofu (Mama One Africa) the advisory council leader of GLAAS revealed.
Survivors frequently grapple with residual trauma, memories often so distressing that they attempt to suppress them. Such efforts, however, can be thwarted by the brain’s survival instincts, leading to states of hyper-alertness and physical distress symptoms. GLAAS’s therapy session aims to address these challenges and provide survivors with professional help to process their traumatic experiences.
Her Royal Highness NanaHemaa Obaapa Awindor a UN Goodwill Ambassador and the Chairperson of GLAAS further Extrapolated to our media team “GLAAS, acknowledging the resilience of survivors, applauds their courage in confronting their ordeals. This initiative reflects the coalition’s commitment to ensure survivors know they are not alone and that organizations such as GLAAS stand with them.” She said.
GLAAS’s upcoming therapy session marks the beginning of the organization’s foray into assisting survivors in healing from their traumatic experiences. Collaborating with experienced mental health professionals with international and local experiences who are to be unveiled soon. The session is designed to help survivors reclaim their sense of self and reintegrate them into society with renewed dignity and resilience.
This initiative exemplifies GLAAS’s commitment to fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling by addressing the victims’ needs holistically, going beyond rescue and rehabilitation to address the critical aspect of mental health recovery.
In embarking on this journey of healing, GLAAS extends an invitation to survivors of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, taking a significant stride towards a future where slavery, in all its forms, is eradicated once and for all. Through their tireless efforts, GLAAS continues to prove that the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling requires collective action – and healing, a collective responsibility.
