NJ launches anti-human trafficking campaign ahead of World Cup
"We want victims and survivors to know that help is available, and a way out is within reach," said Davenport.
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New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced Monday the launch of a public awareness campaign aimed at combating human trafficking as the FIFA World Cup approaches, warning that large international sporting events can create opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable people.
The campaign was unveiled during a news conference at Newark Liberty International Airport. The effort will use soccer players as ambassadors to raise awareness about the risks of sex and labor trafficking associated with major sporting events.
“Such events are thrilling but often exploited by human traffickers,” Davenport said, urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and learn how to identify and report signs of exploitation.
The campaign will include advertisements and outreach at airports, hotels, transportation networks, media platforms and fan venues throughout New Jersey, New York and other World Cup host locations. Educational videos, reporting tools, training for frontline workers, and resources for victims and survivors will also be distributed.
“We want victims and survivors to know that help is available and a way out is within reach,” Davenport said.
State officials said law enforcement agencies will dedicate additional resources before and during the tournament to identify trafficking networks, rescue victims and prosecute offenders.
The attorney general’s office also highlighted several warning signs of trafficking, including individuals who appear fearful, malnourished, unable to speak for themselves, restricted from leaving their companions, or subjected to poor working conditions.
As part of broader World Cup safety preparations, New Jersey State Police have developed a mobile app that will provide emergency alerts, transportation updates and public safety information in approximately 35 languages.
“I promise you this: On July 20, when the World Cup is no longer here, this will not be something that we stop doing,” Davenport said. “We’ve been doing it, we’re going to continue to do it — this just elevates our platform.”
