International Institute of Rhode Island's mission is to enable all area residents, especially immigrants and refugees, to become self-reliant, invested participants in our communities, while fostering respect and understanding among all people. Read more
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January 7, 2010

January 2010 is  National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

New Program for Victims of Trafficking Launched at IIRI

President Barak Obama has proclaimed January 2010 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor.  It is a modern-day form of slavery; and is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. 

The victims of modern slavery have many faces. They are men and women, adults and children who have been denied basic human dignity and freedom. Victims can be abused in their own countries, or find themselves far from home and vulnerable. Whether they are trapped in forced sexual or labor exploitation, human trafficking victims are held in service through force, threats, and fear. All too often suffering from horrible physical and sexual abuse, it is hard for them to imagine that there might be a place of refuge.

IIRI has contracted with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to provide vital case management services to Victims of Human Trafficking in Rhode Island.  Funding comes through a contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“We applaud President Obama for focusing on this important human rights issue,” states Bill Shuey, Executive Director.  “IIRI looks forward to providing services to victims of trafficking here in Rhode Island.  We are well qualified to serve these clients, as we have significant experience working with refugees who have similar case management needs.  We also have extensive partnerships already in place with other service providers, to ensure that each client has access to a full range of services available in the community. The addition of this new program to our agency is a natural fit for us, and we look forward to serving these individuals with high quality, professional services.”

Services available to Victims of Trafficking at IIRI include food, clothing, safe housing, medical and dental care, job training and placement, legal services, and public benefits enrollment.  For more information, contact Baha Sadr at bsadr@iiri.org or 401-784-8611.