My name is Elsa, and I’m honored to serve as the Portuguese
ambassador for Stop Human Trafficking Worldwide. Before I
begin, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you—
my colleagues, partners, and fellow advocates. Since joining this
organization in June, I’ve been deeply moved by your wisdom,
your passion, and your unwavering commitment to justice. You
truly inspire me.
Today, more than 50 million people are trapped in systems of
exploitation—forced labor, sexual slavery, domestic servitude.
These are not distant tragedies. They are woven into our global
supply chains, our migration routes, and even our neighborhoods.
Victims are stripped of their freedom, dignity, and voice. And far
too often, their suffering remains invisible.
That is why we must break the silence.
Representing Portugal in this global movement is not just an
honor—it is a calling. One that has profoundly transformed my
understanding of justice, dignity, and the power of collective
action.
Portugal is often seen as a peaceful, welcoming nation—small in
size, but rich in culture and community. For many years, I was
aware of the challenges posed by illegal immigration. But when I
began researching the roots and scale of human trafficking in my
own country, I was shocked. The reality was far more disturbing
than I had imagined. I felt compelled to return to Portugal and see
it for myself.
That journey changed me.
I met people whose lives had been shattered by exploitation. I
saw the silent suffering that hides behind closed doors and in
plain sight. And I realized that awareness is only the beginning.
We must move from empathy to action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with two remarkable NGOs doing vital
work on the ground:
• Oikos, based in northern Portugal, focuses on education
and prevention. They work with teachers and secondary
school students, using art as a tool for engagement.
Students create projects that reflect their understanding of
trafficking and then present them to their peers.
This peerto-peer approach has proven incredibly effective in building
awareness and resilience.
• APF, on the other hand, works directly with survivors. They
provide safety, support, and pathways to healing. Their work
reminds us that recovery is possible—and that every
survivor deserves a future free from fear.
Since joining this movement, my journey has been one of
awakening. I’ve moved from confusion to clarity, from distance to
deep engagement. I’ve seen how education, compassion, and
community can transform not just individuals—but entire
societies.
This is a collective fight. And each of us—whether as advocates,
educators, consumers, or policymakers—has a role to play in
dismantling the systems that allow exploitation to thrive.
So to everyone here today: thank you. Your presence is not just
symbolic—it is a powerful act of resistance against one of the
most hideous crimes of our time.
Let us not simply talk about freedom. Let us build it—together.
Thank you