PERLA
In May 2013, Perla’s journey began with the people who prostitute themselves on the streets of Lausanne, Switzerland. Very quickly, connections with other groups in the same city or in other cities took place, as well as with organizations in other countries with similar goals.
Perla has been an association since 2017 and is a recognized organization of public utility. The association has developed in other regions of Switzerland (in Vaud, Bienne, Geneva, Fribourg and Valais), and the association can count on many collaborators, mostly volunteers who are indispensable for this goal.
1. HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Human trafficking is a system of violence, exploitation and inequality that is ravaging all countries of the world and must be combated and abolished. Enslaving a human being into slavery and treating him or her as an object without rights or dignity is one of the worst kinds of suffering that can be inflicted on a human being. If we wish to abolish human trafficking, we must address its roots, which are the ignorance of society and the impunity of those who profit from it (pimps in particular) or use its services (clients). The Perla association fights against all forms of human trafficking (forced labour, organ trafficking, etc.) but its current priority is sexual exploitation.
2. VISITS
Perla association is active in several regions of French-speaking Switzerland, where it goes to meet people who prostitute themselves, whether in erotic salons, cabarets or on the streets. These visits aim to:
- Tell that they have a right to dignity
- Tell that they are entitled to the respect of human rights.
- Establish a relationship of trust to better target their needs
- Offer concrete help
- Rescue and protect if necessary.
3. PREVENTION
Ignorance and incomplete information develop bias, mistakes, rejection and silence. Switzerland, like all other countries, is affected by human trafficking.
- Help victims break their silence
- Provide informations about risky situations (Lover Boy, etc)
- Avoid becoming a consumer or actor in human trafficking
- Inform population and authorities about the reality of human trafficking and its “collateral effects” (pornography, sexual addiction, etc.)
- Give tools, tips and advice
- Limit the action of abusers
This prevention can take place in schools and other learning centers, by stands, collaboration with public authorities, churches, associations, as well as training or video broadcasts.
1. LA COLLABORATION
Perla association seeks to establish a network of collaboration with all organizations working directly or indirectly, locally, nationally or internationally on the problem of human trafficking.
Perla association has its headquarters in Switzerland, where it is active. Perla is developing its activity in other countries.
