Advocacy Coalitions Caution Financial Suspension Could Enable Forced Labor
A coalition of seventy-four advocacy, legal, and faith-based organizations across the US has raised alarms regarding the withholding of eighty-eight million dollars in government funds allocated for individuals escaping forced labor.
Assistance Programs at Risk
Per a collective communication, the US Department of Justice has suspended funding for over a hundred assistance organizations that help victims break free from exploiters and access crucial support like safe accommodation, mental health support, and guidance.
"Permitting such resources to vanish would facilitate modern slavery and endanger victims," the communication emphasizes. "Numerous areas will lack their primary support network, leaving survivors with no safe emergency housing."
Appeal for Intervention
The alliance is pressuring legislators to encourage the administration to release the allocated money to support numerous affected individuals across the country.
This plea comes after investigations that the national leadership has rolled back programs to combat forced labor, though officials reject any withdrawal on human rights actions.
Impact on Communities
- Numerous support groups lost their financial backing starting the last day of September.
- In the absence of these funds, victims may be denied to lifesaving services such as temporary accommodation, counseling, and representation.
- Traffickers could act without fear, making communities less safe.
Administration's Position
Regarding concerns over the delayed allocation, the DOJ indicated that money appropriated by Congress would be utilized at a later time, but noted that past recipients might not get financial support in the next cycle.
Upcoming allocations will be made aligned with the current administration's goals, the office explained.
Longstanding Backing
The letter also highlights that Congress has repeatedly approved to fund such initiatives over the past 25 years, reinforcing the vital necessity of adequately resourcing crucial support systems to protect survivors and prevent re-exploitation.