From Ellie Finkelstein, Freedom United

Across the globe, thousands of children are trafficked into orphanages—to attract donations and volunteers. This practice—orphanage trafficking—is a form of modern slavery recognized by countries including Australia and the UK. Shockingly, this is not the case under US law.

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“For years, I couldn’t meet my family. They tried to find me… After 3 or 4 years later on, they found me, and I said I wanted to go back home, but they [the orphanage] didn’t want to send me back.” 

“When you are years without your family, it’s so difficult to express and feel your mom and dad’s love.” 

— A survivor shares his heartbreaking experience in an interview with Volunteers Needed creator, Barak Laub 

To mark Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’re partnering with Volunteers Needed to bring you an award-winning and unreleased documentary that exposes the truth about orphanage trafficking. 

Take action this month and receive a private password to watch the film during April. 

Take action to access the film

The United States is one of the largest sources of volunteers and donations supporting orphanages abroad.[1] Many well-intentioned Americans are unknowingly fueling a cycle of exploitation through “voluntourism” programs that place volunteers in institutions that exploit children.  

Right now, the US’s main anti-trafficking law, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), does not recognize orphanage trafficking as modern slavery. This must change. 

We are calling on lawmakers to amend the TVPA to: 

• Officially recognize orphan trafficking as a form of human trafficking. 
• Require background checks and training for overseas volunteers.
• Demand financial transparency from organizations receiving U.S. donations for orphanages. 
• Prioritize family reunification over institutionalization by promoting programs that help children return to their families. 
• Establish oversight and penalties for organizations that fail to comply, including losing funding or facing legal consequences. 
• Create federal strategies to prevent orphan trafficking.

This is your chance to act for Child Abuse Prevention Month: 

1. Sign the petition. Demand that the U.S. formally recognize orphanage trafficking as modern slavery. 
2. Gain exclusive access to Volunteers Needed. Sign this month and receive a private password to watch this powerful, unreleased documentary exposing orphanage trafficking. Check your inbox (and junk folder) after signing!
3. Join the conversation. On April 30, we’ll host the film’s director and experts to discuss the urgent need for reform.

We cannot allow this abuse to continue. Every day we delay, more children are exploited. Act now to be part of the movement to end orphanage trafficking.

Join the movement

In solidarity,  Ellie and the team that supports the Freedom United community

P.S. Check your inbox (and junk folder) after signing the petition to get the password to watch the film!

Ellie Finkelstein Campaigner and News Editor, Freedom United

[1] https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/2021-07/USMappingSupportOfOrphanages.pdf