A21
Who is A21?
A21 is a global non-profit organisation committed to eradicating modern-day slavery. What began in 2008 with one person moved by a missing person’s poster has since grown into a worldwide movement—uniting advocates, supporters, and survivors across the globe. Today, our team spans five continents, operating in more than 20 countries and driving freedom forward every single day.
What Is the Problem?
It is estimated that 49.6 million people are currently enslaved across the world. Through force, fraud, and coercion, individuals are being bought and sold against their will, right now, in the 21st century.
Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery. It is a crime of contradiction- it’s all around us yet often hidden in plain sight. It knows no boundaries, affecting people of every age, demographic, and region.
An estimated 54% of victims are women and girls. Human trafficking generates approximately USD 236 billion per year.
It occurs in every region of the world and can happen to anyone.
How A21 Responds
As human trafficking continues to evolve, so do we. We’ve expanded our efforts, developed innovative solutions, and adapted our strategies to meet the needs of an ever-changing global landscape. This complex crime thrives in the shadows of misinformation.
At the heart of our mission is Radical Hope—a relentless commitment to abolishing slavery once and for all. One life, one story at a time, we are disrupting the cycle of exploitation by:
Reaching those most vulnerable in society
Rescuing victims from trafficking
Restoring survivors to full independence through holistic aftercare and support
In the past year alone:
346 victims were identified and assisted
42 traffickers were collectively sentenced to 903 years in prison
471 survivors received ongoing care, thanks to our generous partners
This year, we are not only expanding our preventative efforts but also using all our communication platforms to challenge the myths and misconceptions surrounding human trafficking, while highlighting the growing importance of digital safety.
Many people assume trafficking looks like dramatic abduction scenes in films. But in reality, 90% of survivors in our care were trafficked by someone they knew and trusted. Traffickers often use manipulation, false job offers, or romantic relationships to exploit their victims.
As digital exploitation increases, more people are being trafficked from the perceived safety of their own homes than ever before.
The Reality in the UK
Online grooming crimes against children in the UK have increased by 89% over the past six years (NSPCC)
Over 7,000 ‘Sexual Communication with a Child’ offences were recorded by UK police last year.
90% of survivors in our care were exploited by someone they knew
The “loverboy” method—where traffickers pose as romantic partners to groom and exploit—is the second most common tactic we encounter. Most victims are aged 18–25. While the term implies male perpetrators, traffickers are not always men, and victims are not always women.
The truth? Relationships matter. They can be used to exploit or to empower. While traffickers manipulate trust, we believe that safe, informed relationships can be one of the strongest defences against trafficking.
Together, we are more committed than ever to making freedom and justice a reality for everyone, everywhere, forever.
Join the Fight for Freedom Today!
Visit A21.org/resources to access free safety and prevention guides.
To learn more or get involved, contact us at info.uk@a21.org.
Become a Freedom Sponsor—your monthly support can help give the gift of freedom to a survivor today: a21.org/give
