Human trafficking is an increasing problem in the Middle East, particularly as women and children are made vulnerable after being displaced by violence. In some Middle Eastern countries there is also the issue of acceptable temporary marriages, where girls as young as nine years old can be married for as little as a few hours.
The repercussions of this kind of human trafficking are huge. If a girl manages to escapes and return home, despite being a victim, she will often be met with with judgement and condemnation for the shame it is perceived she has brought with her.
MEM is raising awareness about human trafficking and child brides in the region and breaking the silence on this taboo issue through powerful campaign films, as well as providing compassionate support for its victims. We work with governmental and legal entities in North Africa, and are leaders in a network of over 20 non-profit and charitable organisations committed to combating human trafficking.
A high-level consultant in North Africa commented that the work our team has been doing on human trafficking has been dramatically helping to change people’s attitudes and beliefs. He said he has worked with many NGOs and charities, but hasn’t seen the same level of impact as our work has had.
In March 2018, we launched a 55-minute film on human trafficking, based on three real stories from our work with victims. The event took place in a major Middle Eastern country, with representatives from Parliament and NGOs who are trying to combat human trafficking in that country.