About HAART
Awareness Against Human trafficking (HAART)
Awareness Against Human Trafficking was founded in 2010 by a passionate group of lawyers, missionaries and humanitarians under the leadership of Radoslaw Malinowski who observed that Kenya had become a hub of human trafficking in East and Central Africa. These people sought to bring awareness to Kenya to end the criminal activities of human traffickers and bring justice to the victims. Since then, HAART has worked to fight human trafficking through a multi-disciplinary approach.
HAART staff and volunteers include professional and passionate people who have degrees in law, psychology and public health, social work, education and international development among others.
Board of Directors
Tonny Odera
Chairman
Bertha Lawrence
Treasurer
Radoslaw Malinowski
Secretary, ex officio
Fr. John Marren
Board member
Fatuma Ahmed
Board member
Christine Mangwana
Board member
What is Human Trafficking?
- The action of trafficking in persons, which means the recruitment, transportation, transfers, harbouring or receipt of persons. This is the initial stage for human trafficking, where the trafficker recruits/gets access to the victim. Recruitment can be done face-to-face, through an institution or online. The most common type of recruitment is by offering a false promise.
- The means of trafficking that includes threat of or use of force, deception, coercion, abuse of power or position of vulnerability.
- The purpose of trafficking that is always exploitation such as sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.
Victims are in most cases unaware that they are going to be exploited. Less than 1% of victims are ever rescued.
The 4Ps Paradigm
HAART uses the UN Four P’s Strategy to combat trafficking in persons
PREVENTION
PROTECTION
PROSECUTION
We work very closely with authorities to make sure that offenders are brought to book. We help victims get a lawyer. HAART is also working with partners to advocate for better legal protection in the criminal justice system.
Partnerships
HOW TO Be AWARE
The most common forms of human trafficking in Kenya are forced labor and sexual exploitation with a large number of the victims being children. By clicking on the “Read More” button you will be referred to detailed information on how to prevent yourself and your children on becoming victims of the most common forms of human trafficking.
Child Trafficking
Child labor prevents children from attending school or caused them to perform in school poorly as a result of the engaging in work or service. Not every work that child is engaged is child labor. According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child is defined as every human being below the age of 18 years. A child can never consent to human trafficking. It is irrelevant whether a child gives his/her consent to a trafficking situation.
Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation of victims is one of the most common reasons why people are trafficked as there is huge demand for commercial sex and pornography. Victims of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation are both adults and children.
Forced Labor
Forced labour happens where persons are coerced to work. Sometimes forced labor can also be merged with sexual exploitation, keeping in mind that the victim of forced labour may already be in a very vulnerable position.
Volunteering AT hAART
Our work depends strongly on the time and effort our volunteers contribute. There are several fields we facilitate on volunteers. From supporting the team in the office, over our dance crew Young@Haart as well as the networks we are part of.
Our Brave Survivors
We are grateful to the brave survivors who come out to tell their stories.
SLAVERY DID NOT END, IT EVOLVED
“His Holiness Pope Francis learned with gratitude of the efforts of HAART to combat human trafficking in Kenya and throughout East Africa, and encourages you in your campaign to establish a shelter for victims of this grave crime.”
“KNCHR is proud to partner with HAART … as we promote human rights in Kenya by ensuring consistency in our contribution as a member of the National Advisory Committee on combating human trafficking.”
“IOM is convinced of HAART’s values in contributing to anti-trafficking initiatives in Kenya. The organization is staffed with experienced and competent anti-trafficking staff, is well networked with anti-trafficking stakeholders, and has provided sound assistance services to trafficked women and girls.”
“You are not alone. HAART is there for you. HAART will listen to you. They will console you and you will live life. Thank you HAART.”