Transparency is not an Option.
by Ted Lyons,
The number of NGOs has grown exponentially over the last 20 years, as has the scale of resources available. The Exodus Road founders, Matt and Laura Parker, claim they are winning a much-needed “war” against human trafficking. However, in 2010, according to the website http://www.globalhumanitarianassistance.org/ estimated that humanitarian spending reached just shy of $17 billion. The Exodus Road has enlarged their salaries and their travel budgets, however, the estimated growth of human trafficking has also grown. So, I ask Matt Parker, which one is it? Are you really doing the work? Are you really using that money to help victims?
Many NGOs, such as The Exodus Road, have become transnational. They have enlarged their budgets. One American NGO, World Vision International, has a budget topping $2.6bn.
NGOs are often reluctant to talk about corruption for fear that it will lead to bad publicity and, consequently, a loss of funding. This is the work of “charlatans.” There is definite work needed, however, there are many allegations of corruption. The Exodus Road is accused of using donor money to pay bribes, and illegal payments to girls for false statements.
“According to The Safe Child report (2017), traffickers in Thailand predominantly target children from poor, rural backgrounds. Women are most commonly trafficked within the sex tourism industry, as prostitution is legal within Thailand, while men tend to be trafficked within the fishing industry.” https://theexodusroad.com/human-trafficking-in-thailand/
The above paragraph exemplifies the false narrative The Exodus Road, promulgates. Prostitution is not legal in Thailand. There is very little research and development done by this organization to reach and help people on the grassroots level. They have no interest in building community help centers. They have no interest in helping children become educated. They are solely focused on sex tourism.
The orchestrators of trafficking in Thailand tend to be fishermen or female Thai or Burmese nationals with links to organized crime gangs. https://theexodusroad.com/human-trafficking-in-thailand/
Matt Parker and his organization are not interested in being transparent. The above statement fully defines their opinion on the problem. They make bold brash claims, however, they believe they can bring down an organized crime gang. Their actions speak louder. The Exodus Road spends their time in beer bars and go-go clubs. They enjoy the sweet smell and ambiance of sex tourism. Their main focus in Thailand is to go after bar owners and their staff. I don’t believe they have shown full transparency. They make big bold statements on their web page, however, they don’t have the desire to walk the real path.
Here is why don’t have the desire to walk the hard road. Law enforcement agencies worldwide, which have trained investigators and career criminal justice experts have difficulties in bringing justice to victims of human trafficking. Money should go into the hands of trained staff. Money should go to bringing real traffickers to justice. Money should go to community projects; helping children and young girls find better jobs. However, the Parkers will remain in legal beer bars until they are exposed for their hypocrisy.
