OneWorld.net (U.S.)

Project HOPE International (PHI) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with projects in the U.S., Thailand, and Cambodia. PHI assists victims of human trafficking in these countries by providing services to victims, building alliances, and encouraging compassionate individuals and institutions to engage in advocacy work on behalf of trafficked victims. PHI believes that building bridges between policy makers, advocacy groups, service providers, and academics on trafficking is crucial. We recognize that human trafficking is a highly complex problem and, as such, requires the mobilization of multidisciplinary teams to address the various needs of trafficking survivors. Overall, PHI believes that anti-trafficking advocacy requires giving voice to the needs and challenges of ALL trafficked persons regardless of circumstance.

As a primary activity, PHI works with NGOs in Thailand and advocates on their behalf with the U.S. government and funding agencies to support progressive programs. For the last five years, the organization has provided small grants for shelters in Thailand. These shelters house victims of trafficking, or children who are at risk.

Thailand is a regional crossroads for traffickers who prey on the economically disadvantaged, but PHI believes that systemic causes of human trafficking in the region are not widely understood. Even less is known about Thailand’s leadership role in innovative anti-trafficking programs, including its hard won progress led by many civil society leaders. PHI cultivates this leadership by, in part, facilitating field work opportunities to fuel a deeper appreciation of the challenges in the anti-trafficking movement.

PHI is committed to combating trafficking in the U.S. by developing networks and programs in Washington, D.C. To better address the critical shortage of accessible, affordable, and secure housing for human trafficking survivors in the greater Washington, D.C. area, PHI is working with several other organizations to set up a Transitional Housing Unit for victims of trafficking. PHI will not run a large scale “shelter” in the traditional sense, but will provide temporary housing access to victims while they are benefiting from visa processing, recovery, and reintegration services provided by local NGOs.

Christina Arnold Director, Project Hope International www.phi-ngo.org