In October 2006, the Israeli government passed comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation which outlaws labor and other forms of trafficking (sex trafficking was already illegal). The legislation further stipulates funding for rehabilitation and specifies a number of rights for victims. Already, Israel had taken important steps in combating the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation. Due to the efforts of NGOs, rising public awareness and external pressure, enforcement has increased and most women are eligible for shelter, healthcare and legal aid. However, not all survivors receive these services and punishments against traffickers, and legal redress for victims, remain very low.

To date, virtually no steps have been taken to combat labor trafficking or other forms of trafficking; no cases have been opened against labor traffickers and survivors face difficulties in accessing services. Furthermore, Israel is doing little to investigate the extent or nature of trafficking in Israel, nor educating government agencies on how to appropriately deal with the phenomenon.

Solution
We will apply our experience combating sex trafficking to labor trafficking while continuing to work on behalf of women trafficked for prostitution. Survivors will be provided with personal assistance through information on rights, legal representation, humanitarian and emergency aid. Our legal department will focus its suits on issues of principle or weak law enforcement while ensuring that survivor's rights are protected. We will advocate with decision-makers and government for better legislation and policy and through participation in national forums. Volunteers will conduct research on the scope and nature of trafficking in Israel and treatment of trafficked persons by the legal system. We will also examine the nature of trafficking of Israelis and investigate various methodologies for providing them with aid. The public will be educated through lectures, intensive work with the media and cooperation with governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations.

Goals

• To meet standards established by the UN on trafficking regarding prosecution, protection and prevention.
• To ensure that all survivors receive appropriate legal redress, rehabilitation, healthcare, legal representation, visas and more from the State.
• To develop methodology for identifying labor trafficking victims and a system for providing them with protective services.
• To safeguard the rights of survivors, particularly within the legal justice system.
• To prevent the trafficking of Israelis outside of Israel and within Israel.
• To educate the public, government officials and decisions makers about the issue and to increase their sensitivity towards trafficked persons.
• To raise the profile of trafficking in persons in Israel within government and academia.