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An alliance of seventy-four advocacy, legal, and faith-based organizations across the nation has expressed concerns regarding the delaying of eighty-eight million dollars in government funds designated for survivors of human trafficking.

Assistance Programs Under Threat

As stated in a joint letter, the Justice Department has suspended financial support for over a hundred service providers that aid survivors break free from exploiters and secure essential services such as housing, counseling, and case management.

"Permitting this money to disappear would enable human trafficking and endanger victims," the letter states. "Various communities will lose their primary support network, stranding victims with nowhere to turn for shelter."

Urgent Request

The alliance is asking lawmakers to encourage the executive branch to reinstate the financial support to protect numerous affected individuals throughout the US.

This request follows findings that the federal government has scaled down initiatives to address modern slavery, even as officials reject any retreat on human rights policies.

Impact on Communities

• Several service organizations saw their funding end effective the final day of the previous month.
• In the absence of these funds, survivors may be denied to essential support such as safe shelter, counseling, and legal aid.
• Traffickers could operate with impunity, increasing risks for vulnerable populations.

Official Statement

In response to inquiries over the frozen funds, the DOJ stated that funds allocated by lawmakers would be distributed in due course, but noted that former beneficiaries might not obtain money in the future.

Upcoming allocations will be decided based on the government's objectives, the department explained.

Past Endorsement

The communication also highlights that Congress has overwhelmingly voted to fund these services over the last quarter-century, reinforcing the vital necessity of fully funding essential services to safeguard victims and stop further abuse.