The FCJ Refugee Centre offers direct services to people who have been trafficked, taking into account the range of supports needed. Walking with survivors through legal processes, immigration procedures, settlement and recovery, we take a holistic approach to ensure people are informed and empowered to steer their own course out of the trafficking experience. We ensure trafficked persons have access to orientation, legal assistance and referrals, information about their immigration options, appropriate housing, employment support, counseling and other forms of psycho-social support. The path out of human trafficking may take time, and we ensure that we walk with people the whole way.
Welcome to a new edition of the #StayAwake campaign!
The #StayAwake campaign is a dedicated initiative launched yearly by the Youth Alliance Against Human Trafficking, spotlighting human trafficking among precarious migrant youth.
Through this campaign, we adopt an intersectional lens, addressing the intertwined vulnerabilities and oppressions faced by migrant youth.
We believe that, together, we can raise awareness, educate, and combat Human Trafficking.
Updates to the campaign will be posted here, in this page.
Human trafficking affects children, youth, and adults across Ontario, often without them realizing the danger. Join us for an eye-opening introduction to human trafficking, where we break down what it is, how it happens, and the signs to look out for. Knowledge is power! Let’s come together to protect ourselves and our communities. This session is for youth who want to stay informed and make a difference.
Watch the video:
View the gallery (click on the images to enlarge them):
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a victim of forced labour or sex please contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010.
As part of the FCJ Refugee Centre’s Migrant Workers Mobile Program, two members of our Anti-Human Trafficking team (Manager Jovana Blagovcanin, and Migrant Case Coordinator Diana Caipa) traveled to Simcoe, Ontario, on Thursday, August 29, to participate in the Farmworkers’ Appreciation Day, organized by The Huron Farmworker Ministry.
Around 200 migrant workers participated in the activity, which included games, prizes, and a BBQ. They also visited stands from different organizations that offered free support.
FCJ Refugee Centre was present with a stand, where we had the opportunity to share information about rights, laws, policies, and available community support, and offer our support in cases of abuse and exploitation at work.
This visit not only allowed migrant workers to have a great time in a different setting, but it also gave us the chance to work on our mission of preventing labor exploitation among migrant workers by equipping them with information and resources.
Dear Prime Minister, dear Minister of Public Safety,
Cc: Dear Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Dear Minister of Immigration, dear Minister of Employment and Workforce Development, dear Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development
Background
The Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network (TCHTN) is a collaborative coalition of governmental and non-governmental organizations, agencies, and individuals with the mandate of providing a comprehensive response to human trafficking in the Toronto area. These partners are committed to working towards the eradication of human trafficking, while facilitating services and protection to trafficked persons through a holistic approach rooted in human rights and the unique needs of each individual.
As a diverse and growing network of over 30 organizations, our members offer various supports and services to victims and survivors of human trafficking/exploitation, as well as upstream prevention programs, advocacy, research, education, and more. Through their work, our members address different forms of human trafficking including, but not limited to, domestic and international sex trafficking, labour trafficking, and forced marriage.
Many of our Network’s members participated in Public Safety Canada’s regional and national human trafficking consultations in 2018 before the National Strategy was launched, and we are now gathering information on the status and future of the Strategy as it completes its final year. We understand that there will be an evaluation of the Strategy published in the Summer of 2024, which we look forward to analyzing when it becomes available. We are eager to understand if/how the different deliverables of the Strategy were implemented, and what future opportunities for funding exist for community organizations, including those not currently funded by Public Safety Canada.
Ongoing Consultations
Regarding the renewal of the National Strategy and future plans, we stress the importance of ongoing consultations with service providers, grassroots organizations, Indigenous groups, advocates, survivors, children and youth, and other community stakeholders such as those in the Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network, and that these consultations take an intersectional and holistic approach. We also highlight the value of consulting with organizations who were not funded by Public Safety Canada, despite implementing much of the work outlined in the Strategy.
In addition to ongoing consultations with community organizations, it is crucial to implement, maintain, and fund a Survivor Advisory Table with members representing all forms of human trafficking, as each form is unique. Survivors must be meaningfully engaged and consulted on an ongoing basis, at every stage of the work. Consultations must always take into account each survivor’s need for safety and privacy and should be approached with a trauma and violence informed lens. Survivor input and recommendations are invaluable, and must be treated with the same regard and respect as other experts in the anti-trafficking space. They are, in fact, the real experts. In this light, we also believe that survivors should be compensated fairly for their time and expertise in their role as advisors. Indeed, survivors must be treated as equal partners in all aspects of this work.
Employing Existing Work and Studies
Moving forward, it is also crucial for the government to consider the many studies and reports that have already been published, such as the Standing Committee on the Status of Women’s 2023 study of the Human Trafficking of Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse People, the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery’s report on his 2023 study of Canada (which members of our Network helped organize and participated in), the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and others. Considering the many recommendations that already exist will ensure that Public Safety Canada is respecting previous efforts of community organizations, survivors and Indigenous communities, and that processes avoid duplicating work and remain as efficient as possible.
Mitigating Risks
We believe that Canada must renew its commitment to combating human trafficking and implement an ongoing whole-of-government National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking given the prevalence of trafficking in not just the city centres, but across the country. This is especially critical when it comes to preventative strategies to mitigate risks of labour and sexual exploitation resulting from Canada’s upcoming financial commitments, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place in Toronto and Vancouver. We also believe that any policy reforms that are central to mitigating the risk of exploitation, such as on the overhaul of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, should be part of the larger consultation with the anti-human trafficking sector across the country and should be informed by lived experience.
We firmly believe that with a collaborative approach that values community and grassroots input, and by working more closely together, we can make significant strides in eradicating human trafficking and strengthening our communities while building a more just and equitable society.
We look forward to continuing this conversation with Public Safety Canada and other government stakeholders in the months ahead.
The FCJ Refugee Centre participated in the event Exploring the Intersections of Digital Technology, Gender-Based Violence and Human Trafficking, organized by OCASI as a part of the Immigrant and Refugee Communities: Neighbours, Friends and Families (IRCNFF) Project, and held on March 6.
Jovana Blagovcanin, FCJ Refugee Centre’s Anti-Human Trafficking Manager; and Chiara Rossi, FCJ Refugee Centre’s Anti-Human Trafficking – Women Coordinator, together with Krystal Sneider, Executive Disruptor at Collaborative Community Solutions/WomenatheCentreE, were the speakers on a panel about Gender-Based Violence and Human Trafficking.
In the panel, they explored the impact of digital technology and its challenges on human trafficking in local and global contexts, examining the intertwined issues of gender-based viiolence and human trafficking, with a particular focus on the experiences of international students.
They highlighted ways that migrants are recruited online, unique challenges they face seeking support, and offered recommendations on how to support them and bridge the gap in services.
Jovana Blagovcanin, FCJ Refugee Centre’s Anti-Human Trafficking Manager, together with Varka Kalaydzhieva, Program Director at Collaborative Network to End Exploitation, presented on exploitation of migrant workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). They opened and closed their presentation with two poems from migrant worker and advocate Gabriel Allahdua.
Jovana and Varka facilitated the Migrant Worker Exercise with participants across different sectors, including law enforcement, service providers and mental health professionals, to provide an overview of a migrant worker’s experience in Canada through a role-playing activity.
Participants played the roles of migrant workers, where they were given identifications and short biographies of workers, and went through the process of recruitment, border crossing, and working and living on a farm while highlighting the systemic issues that workers face including abuse, exploitation and limited resources for support.
Participants heard first hand testimonies from migrant workers about the various abuses they faced in the TFWP. Then, Jovana and Varka led a discussion about the options each participant/worker had after experiencing abuse and exploitation, the benefits and shortcomings of each of these options, and the possible final outcomes to highlight how these options are often dead ends.
It was a successful event that allowed FCJ and the Collaborative Network to End Exploitation to highlight that Canada has systems in place that facilitate exploitation but are not widely considered human trafficking. We were able to advocate for the end to closed work permits and Status for All, while considering how we can collaborate to work within a Do No Harm principle and anti-oppressive approach.
February 22nd is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada, since it was proclaimed by the federal government, in 2020.
The crime of Trafficking in Persons was added to the Canadian Criminal Code in 2005, less than 20 years ago. The law criminalizes forced organ removal, forced marriage, indentured servitude, labour exploitation, and sexual exploitation. These crimes are commonly known as human trafficking.
Trafficking exploitation exist in many forms and usually entails victims being caused to provide sexual services or labour through force, coercion, deception and/or abuse of trust, power or authority.
Human trafficking therefore results in substantial physical, psychological, and emotional trauma to the victims.
Human trafficking is still happening in Canada, and continues to take advantage of systemic issues such as poverty, inequity, and legislation focused on prosecuting criminals, as opposed to empowering communities and supporting survivors.
On this Human Trafficking Awareness Day we are focusing on labour trafficking, an especially underreported and unnoticed crime.
How do labour exploitation and labour trafficking look like?
In a society where hundreds silently endure the chains of labour exploitation and trafficking, it’s crucial to shed light on their harsh realities. See the images in the following gallery to know the common indicators faced by vulnerable workers, as we strive to recognize, understand, and break the chains binding them.
Click on the images to enlarge them and access the gallery
How do labour trafficking exploitative practices look like?
Knowing about the harsh truths of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the next sequence shows exploitative practices affecting countless workers. From physical and financial abuse to psychological and other forms of exploitation, there is an urgent need for justice and policy changes. See the images in the following gallery to know the depths of these issues.
Click on the images to enlarge them and access the gallery
What are the stages of labour trafficking?
Unveiling the dark stages of labour trafficking: recruitment, control, and forced labour. See the images in the following gallery to understand the journey from promising dreams to the tight grip of exploitation and trafficking. At the recruitment stage, individuals are often attracted to false promises of better opportunities and a brighter future for themselves and their families. Dishonest practices, such as altered job details and misleading predetermined agreements, open the door to exploitation. Also, many end up trapped in debt, forced to pay high fees for getting a job and traveling, making them stuck in a cycle of control and dependency that does not seem to have the option to leave. Action is urgently needed, let’s join to break the cycle, offer support, empower survivors, and work towards a society free from forced labour.
Click on the images to enlarge them and access the gallery
You can help fight human trafficking by staying informed and informing others about the extent of the problem. Get the facts and talk about it:
Stay Awake Campaign: A dedicated initiative spotlighting human trafficking among precarious migrant youth. Through this campaign, we adopt an intersectional lens, addressing the intertwined vulnerabilities and oppressions faced by migrant youth. See the whole campaign here.
The reality of labour exploitation and uprooted people: How does human trafficking impact precarious status migrants and where does it take place? What support is available for migrants who have been trafficked? Executive Director of FCJ Refugee Centre, Loly Rico; and Anti-Human Trafficking Manager of FCJ, Jovana Blagovcanin, share their insights, experience and knowledge about this topic on an episode of Freedom Fighters: Code Gray, at Rogers TV. Watch it here.
FCJ representatives speak about human trafficking before the House of Commons: Two FCJ Refugee Centre representatives, Jovana Blagovcanin, Anti-Human Trafficking Manager, and Chiara Rossi, Anti-Human Trafficking – Women Coordinator, participated as witnesess in a House of Commons’ meeting on Human Trafficking of Women, Girls and Gender Diverse People, in the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. Watch it here.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a victim of forced labour or sex please contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010.
The Youth Alliance Against Human Trafficking would like to introduce a new edition of the #StayAwakeCampaign.
The #StayAwakeCampaign is a dedicated initiative spotlighting human trafficking among precarious migrant youth. Through this campaign, we adopt an intersectional lens, addressing the intertwined vulnerabilities and oppressions faced by migrant youth.
We’ll focus on:
Understanding human trafficking: Demystifying myths and presenting the stark realities.
The Canadian context: Highlighting local statistics and the prevalence of trafficking in Canada.
Diverse exploitation forms: Discussing both sex trafficking and labor exploitation, revealing the multifaceted nature of this crime.
The reality of international students life in Canada
Creativity and healing
Join us in this pivotal movement. Together, we can raise awareness, educate, and combat Human Trafficking.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a victim of forced labour or sex please contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010.
The Youth Alliance Against Human Trafficking would like to introduce a new edition of the #StayAwakeCampaign.
The #StayAwakeCampaign is a dedicated initiative spotlighting human trafficking among precarious migrant youth. Through this campaign, we adopt an intersectional lens, addressing the intertwined vulnerabilities and oppressions faced by migrant youth.
We’ll focus on:
Understanding human trafficking: Demystifying myths and presenting the stark realities.
The Canadian context: Highlighting local statistics and the prevalence of trafficking in Canada.
Diverse exploitation forms: Discussing both sex trafficking and labor exploitation, revealing the multifaceted nature of this crime.
The reality of international students life in Canada
Creativity and healing
Join us in this pivotal movement. Together, we can raise awareness, educate, and combat Human Trafficking.
Updates to the campaign will be posted here, in this page.
Did you know that human trafficking impacts millions of lives globally every year? Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where individuals are exploited for labor, sexual acts, or other services against their will. It takes numerous forms, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and child trafficking, each leaving a devastating impact on victims. Access the gallery to understand its various forms and some startling statistics that underline the urgency to combat this heinous crime.
View the gallery (4 images):
Day 2: How does sex trafficking happens?
Sex trafficking is a heart-wrenching reality that affects millions worldwide. From the smallest towns to the most significant cities, no one is immune to its devastating impact. Here are some crucial facts to raise awareness: – Every 30 seconds, someone becomes a victim of human trafficking. – Sex trafficking is a $150 billion criminal industry. – Victims come from diverse backgrounds, ages, and genders. Together, we can make a difference and spread awareness. Access the gallery to see how sex trafficking happens.
View the gallery (7 images):
Day 3: How does labour trafficking happen in Canada?
How does labour trafficking happen in Canada? Hidden in plain sight: Labor trafficking is a grave reality in Canada. From coercive recruitment to deceptive job offers, many find themselves trapped in exploitative situations with limited freedom. Access the gallery to uncover how this form of modern-day slavery manifests in our communities. Let’s stay informed, vigilant, and united against this injustice.
View the gallery (8 images):
Day 4: The reality of labor trafficking
From agriculture to hospitality, labor trafficking permeates various industries in Canada. As we delve into the plight of migrant workers, it’s crucial to approach with empathy and understanding. Remember, behind every statistic is a human story. Access the gallery to discover more and let’s be allies in their fight for justice.
View the gallery (6 images):
Day 5: Demystifying myths around human trafficking
Human trafficking, often shrouded in misconceptions, remains one of the most misunderstood global issues. Myths and misinformation not only distort our understanding but can also hinder efforts to support survivors and combat this heinous crime. Today, we aim to demystify some of these myths, shedding light on the realities of human trafficking and empowering our community with accurate knowledge. Join us as we separate fact from fiction and pave the way for informed advocacy.
View the gallery (6 images):
Week 2
Day 6: The reality of international students life in Canada
Canada, a dream destination for many international students, offers world-class education and opportunities. However, beneath the surface lies a less talked about issue: the exploitation of these students. From employment malpractices to housing challenges, many international students grapple with situations they never anticipated. Today, we embark on a journey to uncover these hidden challenges and shed light on the realities they face.
View the gallery (4 images):
Day 7: Are international students exploited?
International students in Canada dream of a brighter future, but many face hidden challenges. From underpayment and unsafe work conditions to housing issues and academic exploitation, their journey isn’t always smooth. It’s crucial to be aware, offer support, and advocate for their rights. Let’s stand together to ensure their well-being and protect their dreams.
View the gallery (7 images):
Day 8: What role do educational recruiters play in exploiting international students?
Behind the allure of studying abroad, there’s a hidden narrative. International recruiters often paint a rosy picture, but not all deliver on their promises. Let’s shed light on the unseen side of overseas education and stand up for students’ rights.
View the gallery (10 images):
Day 9: International students’ rights
Empowerment starts with awareness. International students in Canada are protected by law and have rights that safeguard their well-being. From fair work practices to secure housing, it’s vital to know your rights and where to find help if you need it.
View the gallery (10 images):
Day 10: Support for international students
Seeking support as an international student in Canada? You’re not alone on this journey! From academic guidance to mental health services and legal support, there’s a network ready to assist you. Together, we’re stronger. There are organizations and communities ready to support international students in their journey. Let’s connect, support, and uplift each other.
View the gallery (10 images):
Week 3
Day 11: Creativity and Healing (1)
Welcome to the intersection of creativity and healing. This week, we will observe a poignant journey through art, where each brushstroke unveils the silent narratives of mental health struggles intertwined with the fight against human trafficking. This campaign is not just about raising awareness; it’s about understanding the unspoken pain and the resilience that lies within the hearts of those affected.
Art has the unique power to express the inexpressible — to give form to the fears, hopes, and dreams that words alone cannot convey. It allows for a cathartic release, offering a path to recovery that transcends traditional communication. Through the pieces we will share, we hope to offer solace, to stir empathy, and to kindle a flame of action against the shadows of exploitation.
As we unfold these visual stories, we invite you to reflect on the profound impact that human trafficking has on mental health. We encourage you to see beyond the canvas to the real-life implications of these artworks. Each color, each line, each texture represents a step towards healing — not just for the artists, but for all of us as a collective.
Join us in this movement of awareness and recovery. Witness how art can not only expose the depths of the issue but also pave the way for mental wellness and empowerment. Let’s embrace the power of art to heal, to unite, and to inspire change.
The art that we will be sharing this week were made by youth by FCJ Youth Network. This particular art was made by a 24yrs old youth member which portrays the overcoming mental health struggles.
View the gallery (3 images):
Day 12: Creativity and Healing (2)
Within the bold lines and stirring shades of one of our Youth Network members aged 26 lies a silent narrative waiting to erupt into the consciousness of our community. Today, we present a piece that is more than mere art—it is a poignant commentary on the stolen childhoods of millions, a visual manifesto against the injustice of child labor.
This artwork, crafted by the hands of a young visionary from our Network, captures the stark reality of young lives eclipsed by premature toil. Each brushstroke is a testament to lost dreams and the resilience of the spirit that persists even in the face of such adversity. It is a mirror held up to society, reflecting the urgent need for change and the power of youth to catalyze that change.
Through their art, we are invited to witness a world that should not exist, yet does, in the shadows of our global landscape. This piece is not just an expression of creativity; it is an act of advocacy, a call to recognize and respond to the plight of child laborers everywhere.
As we share this profound work with you, we hope it resonates deeply, stirring a sense of responsibility and kindling a flame of activism. Let it be a reminder that the issue of child labor is not a distant reality but a present challenge, calling for our immediate attention and action.
Together, we can transform this awareness into a movement that not only uplifts the voices of the affected but also works tirelessly to restore the joy and freedom of childhood.
View the gallery (3 images):
Day 13: Creativity and Healing (3)
Emerging from the shadows with strength and courage, many trafficking victims find their way back to freedom on their own. This powerful artwork by a talented member of our youth network depicts the resilience of those who have navigated their way out of darkness. It’s a tribute to their bravery and a stark reminder of the need for stronger support systems. The current law enforcement is unable to detect and intervene in trafficking operations at large scale and shows more need for support from individual and community organizations. Let’s amplify their voices and bolster our efforts to end human trafficking.
View the gallery (3 images):
Day 14: Creativity and Healing (4)
In the stark lines and haunting contrasts of this artwork lies a truth too often veiled in silence: the sale of souls in the shadowy markets of human trafficking. This powerful piece, created by a member of our youth network, confronts us with the commodification of human life, urging us To see, To care, and To act. Let’s stand together to dismantle these markets and affirm the priceless worth of every individual.
View the gallery (3 images):
Day 15: Creativity and Healing (5): Empowering Actions
As we reach the final day of our campaign, it’s important to remember that the battle against human trafficking is far from over. Each one of us has the power to effect change and be a beacon of hope in this ongoing fight.
Today, we not only reflect on our collective efforts but also showcase the inspiring artwork created by the youth members at FCJ. Their art vividly illustrates that our crusade against human trafficking is an ever-present endeavor, filled with diverse ways to engage and spread awareness.
As we wrap up this campaign, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for joining us on this meaningful journey. Your participation, support, and shared commitment have been invaluable. We’re eager to hear your thoughts, experiences, and insights gained along the way. Your feedback is not just appreciated—it’s essential in shaping our future initiatives.
Together, we’ve taken significant steps, but there’s still much to be done. Let’s carry forward the momentum, continuing to learn, share, and advocate for those affected by human trafficking. Thank you for standing with us in this vital cause.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a victim of forced labour or sex please contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010.
As a part of the annual Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, the Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network hosted on May 17th a hybrid forum to raise awareness and address the root causes of the ever growing labour trafficking issue in Canada.
The forum identified the issue at hand, by discussing the realities of labour trafficking in Canada while examining the systems in place that facilitate the trafficking of foreign nationals for the purpose of forced labour. Speakers also addressed the gaps in service in supporting victims and survivors in order to foster solutions to strengthen collaboration across sectors.
The forum featured a panel discussion with experts from victim supporting organizations, advocates and researchers, and those with lived experience of labour trafficking in Canada. Topics covered incl,uded raising awareness about current human trafficking trends involving large groups of foreign nationals being recruited to work in Canada, addressing the use of housing exploitation as a means of control, identifying the root causes of emerging trends through policy examination, and developing recommendations to foster collaboration towards solutions.
We believe that through collaboration between service providers, government, law enforcement, and those directly impacted by labour trafficking, we can better respond to labour trafficking and ideally prevent it.
Our hybrid forum "A Call For Action To End Labour Trafficking" just started! The goal is to raise awareness and address the root causes of the ever growing labour trafficking issue in Canada. #labourtraffickingpic.twitter.com/I3cMRAgBNg
— FCJ Refugee Centre (@RefugeeCentre) May 17, 2023
Speakers:
Selene Mateos Solis (Survivor of Labour Trafficking): Selene Mateos Solis (she/they) is a survivor of human labour trafficking in Ontario. They hold a bachelor in environmental Technology from UT Tabasco in Mexico. They have spoken at events held by FCJ Refugee Centre, the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture and the Toronto United Mennonite Church. Their experience has sparked a drive to get to the community. They currently volunteer for the newcomers program “Among Friends” at the 519 in Toronto. Selene believes that education, awareness and advocacy regarding this topic is crucial. They are particularly focused on raising awareness of the personal impact the experience of being trafficked for labour can have on an individual.
Connie Stevens: Connie Stevens is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner who has worked in Sexual Health for over 35 years. Connie received her PhD from the University of Liverpool and teaches at a GTA college. Based on her experience in both areas, Connie researched safer acclimatisation for Female Punjabi International students. Researching the students’ experience has exposed sex trafficking and labour trafficking. The students fear community and immigration retaliation if they share their stories. Connie wants to acknowledge the students’ contributions and permission received to act as an ally and advocate on their behalf. Connie will share her research findings and offer some of the students’ suggested resolutions.
Nadia Nadeem (Staff Immigration Lawyer – Neighbourhood Legal Services): Nadia is a Staff Lawyer (Immigration) at Neighbourhood Legal Services. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour from McMaster University. Prior to attending law school, Nadia worked in a Mental Health & Addiction Program at a major city hospital where she supported individuals as well as their families. Nadia is deeply committed to social justice and advocacy, particularly on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized groups. While in law school, Nadia gained clinical experience through working at community legal clinics in both Hamilton and Windsor. She is passionate about community lawyering in the immigration & refugee law context, and is currently Co-Chair of the Inter Clinic Immigration Working Group (ICIWG)
Ezat Mossallanejad(Policy Analyst at Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture): Ezat holds a Ph.D. degree from Poona University, India, and has worked as Coordinator of the Jesuit Refugee Service-Canada. Ezat has served as a founding member of the Canadian Centre for International Justice (CCIJ), the Culturelink’s Chair of the Board and a director on the Board of the Inter-Church Committee for Refugee (ICCR). At present, Ezat works as a full-time Settlement Counsellor and Policy Analyst with the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT). Ezat has also worked on the Editorial Board of the Refugee Update. Ezat has published 6 books and more than 150 articles in Farsi as well as three books and around 45 articles in English. He has worked with several UN bodies in connection with refugee protection and eradication of torture. In his mission to protect refugees and survivors of torture, he has travelled to different countries including USA, Mexico, Rwanda, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, Nigeria, Uganda, Thailand, India and Cyprus. His book Torture in the Age of Fear was published in September 2005. In 2012, he published Religions and the Cruel Return of Gods. In 2014, he published a book entitled Crimes and Punishment in Islam. His book The Silence of Fairy was published in 2018. He is also the founder of Zagros Editions.
James McLean (Director of Research and Policy – Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking): James McLean currently serves as the Director of Research and Policy at the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking. In this role, he is initiating a series of original research projects, including one that is looking at how prosecutors and law enforcement can make better use of digital evidence to reduce reliance on victim testimony. Prior to joining the Centre, James worked with a non-profit organization in Ottawa, the City of Toronto, and as a Senior Advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Education. He also serves as Deputy Mayor of his local municipality.
Kelly Howe (Senior Manager – Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills): Kelly is the Senior Manager of the Divisional Intelligence Unit (DIU). The DIU is a dedicated team in the ministry that was created to support efforts against provincial labour trafficking. This team focuses on detecting and investigating exploitative labour practices and labour trafficking activity. The DIU works closely with legal clinics, advocacy groups, industry associations, consulates, agencies that support workers and newcomers, police, other law enforcement agencies and the broader regulatory community on matters related to labour exploitation and trafficking.
Jovana Blagovcanin (Anti-Human Trafficking Manager- FCJ Refugee Centre): Jovana is the Anti-Human Trafficking Manager at FCJ Refugee Centre and the Coordinator of the Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network. Through the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Mobile Worker Program, Jovana supports precarious status migrants who have experienced abuse in the workplace, or exploitation in the form of labour or sex trafficking. Jovana continues to participate in advocacy efforts through the Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network, Canadian Council for Refugees and other various committees involved in migrant worker rights campaigns.
When: Wed, May 17, 2023 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Where: Central Neighbourhood House:
349 Ontario Street, Toronto, ON M5A 2V8. Register »
The Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network presents their annual Victims and Survivors of Crime Week event on May 17th 10-12:30pm. This will be a hybrid forum to raise awareness and address the root causes of the ever growing labour trafficking issue in Canada. This forum will identify the issue at hand, by discussing the realities of labour trafficking in Canada while examining the systems in place that facilitate the trafficking of foreign nationals for the purpose of forced labour. We will also address the gaps in service in supporting victims and survivors in order to foster solutions to strengthen collaboration across sectors.
The forum will feature a panel discussion with experts from victim supporting organizations, advocates and researchers, and those with lived experience of labour trafficking in Canada. Topics covered in the forum will include raising awareness about current human trafficking trends involving large groups of foreign nationals being recruited to work in Canada, addressing the use of housing exploitation as a means of control, identifying the root causes of emerging trends through policy examination, and developing recommendations to foster collaboration towards solutions.
Join this opportunity to discuss and actively strategize in supporting victims, survivors and their families, while emphasizing the included voices of those with lived experiences.
We believe that through collaboration between service providers, government, law enforcement, and those directly impacted by labour trafficking, we can better respond to labour trafficking and ideally prevent it. Join us for an engaging conversation on how we can work together to end labour trafficking in Ontario.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share and make a difference. Register now!
Speakers:
Selene Mateos Solis (Survivor of Labour Trafficking): Selene Mateos Solis (she/they) is a survivor of human labour trafficking in Ontario. They hold a bachelor in environmental Technology from UT Tabasco in Mexico. They have spoken at events held by FCJ Refugee Centre, the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture and the Toronto United Mennonite Church. Their experience has sparked a drive to get to the community. They currently volunteer for the newcomers program “Among Friends” at the 519 in Toronto. Selene believes that education, awareness and advocacy regarding this topic is crucial. They are particularly focused on raising awareness of the personal impact the experience of being trafficked for labour can have on an individual.
Connie Stevens: Connie Stevens is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner who has worked in Sexual Health for over 35 years. Connie received her PhD from the University of Liverpool and teaches at a GTA college. Based on her experience in both areas, Connie researched safer acclimatisation for Female Punjabi International students. Researching the students’ experience has exposed sex trafficking and labour trafficking. The students fear community and immigration retaliation if they share their stories. Connie wants to acknowledge the students’ contributions and permission received to act as an ally and advocate on their behalf. Connie will share her research findings and offer some of the students’ suggested resolutions.
Nadia Nadeem (Staff Immigration Lawyer – Neighbourhood Legal Services): Nadia is a Staff Lawyer (Immigration) at Neighbourhood Legal Services. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour from McMaster University. Prior to attending law school, Nadia worked in a Mental Health & Addiction Program at a major city hospital where she supported individuals as well as their families. Nadia is deeply committed to social justice and advocacy, particularly on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized groups. While in law school, Nadia gained clinical experience through working at community legal clinics in both Hamilton and Windsor. She is passionate about community lawyering in the immigration & refugee law context, and is currently Co-Chair of the Inter Clinic Immigration Working Group (ICIWG)
Ezat Mossallanejad(Policy Analyst at Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture): Ezat holds a Ph.D. degree from Poona University, India, and has worked as Coordinator of the Jesuit Refugee Service-Canada. Ezat has served as a founding member of the Canadian Centre for International Justice (CCIJ), the Culturelink’s Chair of the Board and a director on the Board of the Inter-Church Committee for Refugee (ICCR). At present, Ezat works as a full-time Settlement Counsellor and Policy Analyst with the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT). Ezat has also worked on the Editorial Board of the Refugee Update. Ezat has published 6 books and more than 150 articles in Farsi as well as three books and around 45 articles in English. He has worked with several UN bodies in connection with refugee protection and eradication of torture. In his mission to protect refugees and survivors of torture, he has travelled to different countries including USA, Mexico, Rwanda, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, Nigeria, Uganda, Thailand, India and Cyprus. His book Torture in the Age of Fear was published in September 2005. In 2012, he published Religions and the Cruel Return of Gods. In 2014, he published a book entitled Crimes and Punishment in Islam. His book The Silence of Fairy was published in 2018. He is also the founder of Zagros Editions.
James McLean (Director of Research and Policy – Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking): James McLean currently serves as the Director of Research and Policy at the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking. In this role, he is initiating a series of original research projects, including one that is looking at how prosecutors and law enforcement can make better use of digital evidence to reduce reliance on victim testimony. Prior to joining the Centre, James worked with a non-profit organization in Ottawa, the City of Toronto, and as a Senior Advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Education. He also serves as Deputy Mayor of his local municipality.
Kelly Howe (Senior Manager – Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills): Kelly is the Senior Manager of the Divisional Intelligence Unit (DIU). The DIU is a dedicated team in the ministry that was created to support efforts against provincial labour trafficking. This team focuses on detecting and investigating exploitative labour practices and labour trafficking activity. The DIU works closely with legal clinics, advocacy groups, industry associations, consulates, agencies that support workers and newcomers, police, other law enforcement agencies and the broader regulatory community on matters related to labour exploitation and trafficking.
Jovana Blagovcanin (Anti-Human Trafficking Manager- FCJ Refugee Centre): Jovana is the Anti-Human Trafficking Manager at FCJ Refugee Centre and the Coordinator of the Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network. Through the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Mobile Worker Program, Jovana supports precarious status migrants who have experienced abuse in the workplace, or exploitation in the form of labour or sex trafficking. Jovana continues to participate in advocacy efforts through the Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network, Canadian Council for Refugees and other various committees involved in migrant worker rights campaigns.
* Lunch will be provided in-person following the panels ** A zoom link will be shared for those who registered for the virtual event *** Please note, there is no free parking offered at the venue.
February 22nd is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada, since it was proclaimed by the federal government, in 2020.
