CCIF Malta - through Project Stop - held a concert late last month at the Buggiba Town Centre to raise awareness on the problem of human trafficking in Malta. The event featured musical performances by Ram1, Faith Child, Rise Band, Tendie and  Co and Nathan Jess, there was also a special hip hop dance performance by young artists from  Street Elements Crew. 

The performance by these local and international artists spoke passionately about the suffering that is brought on by human trafficking.

Many in the audience were surprised that human trafficking also takes place in Malta, the organisers of the concert said. Human trafficking happens everywhere and anywhere and anyone can be a victim. Through the performances the message was sent across that human trafficking robs victims of choice and freedom. It takes advantage of vulnerability and leaves a lasting impact on its victims. For survivors the physical, mental, emotional, and financial scars follow them the rest of their lives. It’s a dehumanizing crime that occurs under the surface of everyday life.

Traffickers exploit people who are looking for a better life. Since traffickers prey on the vulnerabilities of victims, people who are poor, uneducated, neglected, unemployed, victims of sexual abuse, from unstable home lives, immigrants, or refugees are particularly at risk. But other people can be exploited as well. Around the world, even those with education can be duped by promises of jobs or even love and protection. Knowledge  can lead to freedom, giving us all the power to end modern day slavery.CCIF through Project Stop is already planning to hold next year’s Code Red Human trafficking concert, on the last weekend in June of 2016. "By continuing to raise awareness of human trafficking through events such as these, we hope that other sectors of the Maltese community will come forward to lend their support. The more involvement there is in countering human trafficking, the more we are likely to succeed," Alec Douglas Bvumburah, the Founder of Cross Culture International Foundation which hosted the concert, said.