Consultants about Human Trafficking Issues in Libraries

The association Shelter “Safe House” is the only NGO that has acquired the right to provide state financed social rehabilitation services to victims of human trafficking since 2007. From September until December 2011
Shelter “Safe House” organizes information campaign „Open Your Eyes” aiming to raise awareness about human trafficking issues and providing seminars for librarians to become consultants for general public regarding human trafficking issues.

Sandra Zalcmane, director of the association Shelter „Safe House” says: “The social information campaigns that we organized before were mainly aimed at reaching people who have regular access to Internet and other public media. However, in practice due to financial difficulties, especially on the countryside, fewer people have access to Internet at home. Therefore libraries, where there is access to Internet and other information sources, are becoming more popular. Libraries have become the local social, culture and education centres where people can receive also different consultations. In total there are 832 libraries in Latvia, which is a considerable resource that can become involved in prevention of human trafficking.

Unfortunately we must admit that there is an increasing tendency in the number of victims of human trafficking in Latvia. In 2008 professionals working at the NGO provided help to 14 persons, in 2009 – 28, in 2010 – 58 persons. Until November 1, 2011 Shelter “Safe House” has provided state funded rehabilitation services to 14 victims of human trafficking, and 64 persons have asked for help and consultations.”

Until end of November it is planned to provide librarians with training regarding human trafficking risks, forms and the accessible help for victims of human trafficking, identification process, as well as with information about where to seek help.

Within the framework of “Open Your Eyes” a conference “Prevention Measures to Reduce Human Trafficking” took place in Riga on November 11. Fifty-two library directors from Riga, Riga District, Municipalities of Tukums, Vecpiebalga, Vecumnieki, Skrunda, Sēja, Smiltene, Dundaga, Tērvete, Talsi, Baldone, Strenči, Salacgrīva, Saldus, Krāslava, Lubāna, Dobele, Limbaži, Amata, Madona,  and towns - Valmiera, Preiļi and Jelgava attended it and gained more information about human trafficking issues. The conference was the first meeting with the library directors who showed a lot of interest in the topic. The audience confirmed that there are library visitors who ask for consultations about the risks of human trafficking because they are going to work abroad. Therefore the newly acquired knowledge will help to give answers to library visitors’ questions.

Next seminar for librarians will be held on November 4th in the Vecumnieku Municipality Library in Misa.

Already since 2009 NGO Shelter „Safe House” is regularly organising information campaigns „Sham Marriages - A Trap!” with the main goal to inform and attract the attention of the society to the issues of human trafficking.