BY CAROL LIEW, ECCA FAMILY FOUNDATION
At ECCA, we don’t consider ourselves a major funder in the anti-human trafficking space—in fact, we don’t identify ourselves as one. Yet our work, like that of many other foundations, intersects directly with the drivers of exploitation. That was the starting point for hosting the first Call for Collab with APC: to encourage more funders to see these connections, share insights, and consider how their existing work can contribute to prevention.
Human Trafficking: A Global, Evolving Crisis
Human trafficking is no longer a regional issue—it is a global, rapidly evolving crisis. Increasingly, scam centres have become entry points into trafficking networks: highly organised, with departmental structures, cross-border coordination, and even the use of AI to increase efficiency, often trapping victims in exploitative conditions.
The scale of the problem can feel overwhelming. But targeted, practical interventions can still make a meaningful difference.
At the same time, funding and responses remain fragmented. Many foundations—including ours—do not identify as anti-trafficking funders, which makes it harder to see where collective action could unlock greater impact.
At Its Core: Education and Livelihoods
At its core, vulnerability to exploitation is shaped by access to education, decent work, and stable livelihoods. Globally, nearly 40% of detected trafficking victims are children, while women and girls make up the majority. Poverty, limited schooling, and lack of economic opportunity all increase risk.
In Thailand, even a single school term—around US$300—can be out of reach for families earning approximately US$2,000 a year.
“Supporting education and economic opportunity is one of the most direct ways to prevent exploitation.”
Many foundations are already investing in these areas. The opportunity lies in connecting the dots—recognising that investments in education, skills development, and youth livelihoods are also investments in prevention.
Digital Recruitment and the Need for Coordinated Collaboration
Methods of exploitation are also evolving. Online scams and fraudulent job offers are increasingly used to lure young people into debt bondage or criminal operations. These systems are often cross-border and technology-enabled, making prevention more complex.
Fragmentation limits impact. Greater coordination—through data sharing, adaptive strategies, and cross-sector collaboration between civil society, governments, and philanthropy—will be critical to building more effective responses.
A Call to Connect the Dots
As a host, what stood out most was the opportunity within the work many of us are already doing. We don’t need to become “anti-trafficking funders” to contribute. By recognising how our efforts intersect with the drivers of exploitation, we can play a meaningful role.
The challenge is significant—but small, coordinated actions can ripple into real change.
That’s why we want to make three specific invitations:
- Support the development of a prevention and protection grassroots network Together with The Freedom Story, we are supporting the development of a stronger network of frontline organisations focused on prevention and protection. We welcome others who are interested in contributing.
- Be part of our informal working group
We are continuing to co-create a more coordinated response from the funder side. This is a space to share insights, explore strategies, and connect resources with others who are already engaged. - Tap into the Freedom Collaborative network
For those looking to support this space but unsure where to begin, Freedom Collaborative offers a strong entry point—connecting funders to credible, high-impact organisations working on the ground.
The challenge—and the opportunity—lies in connecting the dots, collaborating, and scaling solutions.
Carol is currently the Managing Director of ECCA Family Foundation, having previously served as Head of Philanthropy at the North-East Family Office, where she led the development of tailored philanthropic strategies, including the foundation’s establishment.