World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – A Time to Reflect and Refocus
Wednesday, 30 July 2025 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, where we will join millions around the globe to raise our voices for freedom, justice, and restoration. At ZOE, our mission is rooted in this very cause—to prevent child trafficking, rescue those trapped in slavery, and bring restoration to every child.
Across the world, we are seeing real lives restored.
In Thailand, ZOE children have:
- Shared that they feel loved and supported, describing ZOE as a “family” where they experience belonging, freedom to learn, space to explore their faith, and are journeying through deep personal healing.
- Learned vocational and life skills such as coffee-making, woodworking, sewing, baking, and art—tapping into their creativity, gaining confidence, and laying the groundwork for independent and purpose-filled futures.
- Graduated from school, with some entering university, others taking up further vocational training, and many launching into the workforce equipped and empowered.
These aren’t just success stories—they are reminders of what’s possible when children are safe, seen, and surrounded by consistent, loving care.
And in Australia, thanks to your support:
- Hundreds of students and adults were educated about modern slavery. Our free curriculum reached classrooms nationwide as have our online courses.
- Our new prevention game is almost ready for production
- Justice Walks in Sydney and Melbourne are getting more engagement and highlighting that many Aussies want to be part of the movement to bring meaningful and sustained change for vulnerable children!
To every supporter, donor, walker and volunteer: thank you. You are helping children rediscover their worth and step into freedom.
But Are We Doing Enough Here in Australia?
While we celebrate the incredible transformation happening overseas, we must not ignore the uncomfortable truth here at home.
- Only one domestic child trafficking conviction in Australia since 2005.
- An estimated 41,000 people in slavery today in Australia (globally ⅓ of all those in slavery are children).
- Over 46,000 children are in foster or out-of-home care, some living in hotels or residential units—vulnerable to exploitation, yet often unrecognised as victims of domestic trafficking.
Too often, these cases are misclassified under lesser offences. As a result:
- Children are denied specialised care.
- Their stories are silenced, not counted in national data.
- Funding and policy fail to meet the true scale of need.
If we do not name the crime, how can we stop it?
If we do not acknowledge these children as trafficking victims, how can we restore their lives?
Where to from here?
We are grateful for the progress. But we must do more.
On this day, let us renew our commitment not only to the children we serve overseas, but to those within our own nation, in our systems, our neighbourhoods, and our care.
Let us be brave enough to ask:
- Are we building systems that truly protect children in Australia?
- Are we willing to name the hidden injustices in our midst?
Together, we can. Together, we must.
Until all are free
— David
Here are two ways to be their voice this Wednesday:
- Make a one time donation this week to acknowledge this day and your commitment to end it.
- Post this graphic on your socials:
