Advocating for Freedom
Rescue is only the beginning of a girl’s story at Rapha
It was early morning on a Tuesday in Cambodia. The chickens had been awake for a while. The streets were busy with Tuk Tuks and motorcycles. This was my first time visiting Rapha International in Cambodia after being on staff in the US for several years. On that morning, we were jumping in a van with three girls and several Rapha staff members. We were not heading to work or school; we were on our way to the city courthouse to advocate for these three young girls who had experienced sexual abuse and human trafficking.
As we pulled up to the courthouse, the girl’s giggles turned from nervous energy into soft quiet tears. The staff did an amazing job comforting the girls and showing them they were not alone. The Rapha staff pulled out little toys like Rubik’s Cubes, rubber ducks, and bouncy balls for the girls to play with until the judge would arrive.
Our time soon arrived to go into the small courtroom. The judge came in and sat down behind the bench as the girls all sat in the chairs in front of him. The judge looked up at the girls from behind the bench and, instead of speaking, he walked around and came over to where the girls were sitting. He smiled at them and pulled up a chair to sit close to them, on their level. I’ll never forget how he treated them with such dignity and respect. He clearly understood - and cared - that these girls were afraid.
Legal advocacy is an essential part of Rapha’s keys to freedom.
Rapha fights for justice on behalf of children and their families. On this Tuesday morning, I was able to witness what advocacy truly looks like. Rapha’s staff give so much care and attention to each child. If we are not standing for justice or advocating for these girls then who will?
Later I asked one of the Rapha staff members why the one girl had continued crying while the other two seemed to calm down. She told me, “The young girl was crying because she was afraid that she wouldn’t know what to say to the judge. She was afraid that she wouldn’t have the right words. What if he didn’t believe her story? She doesn’t need to be afraid, but when a young girl like her has been through what she has experienced, it’s a long road of healing.”
A little girl who has experienced unimaginable trauma should not have to be afraid of not having the right words. This is why it is so important for us to stand for them and with them.
Story written by Joseph Lang | Rapha International Media Coordinator
Each of us has a part to play to advocate for healing, hope and freedom.
