Several members of Georgia’s business community are working together to help combat human trafficking ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says his office is relaunching the Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking program ahead of the World Cup.
Advocates who combat human trafficking warn the soccer event could cause an uptick in the crime.
“While these events do not cause trafficking, they can intensify the existing risks,” said Heather Lively, the executive director of human trafficking survivor advocacy organization Wellspring Living. “This makes awareness, prevention, and community vigilance especially critical. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have.”
Businesses participating in the effort will receive exclusive training to identify the warning signs of trafficking and signage to place in their bathrooms and windows making people aware of their participation.
“A window cling that can be displayed in their business window alerting potential victims the employees there have received human trafficking training,” Raffensperger said. “In other words, safe zone for them.”
The coalition will also provide public training.
“We’ll be holding a large-scale in-person training in May,” Raffensperger said. “This free half-day training is available for any member of the community to participate, but it’s going to be geared towards businesses.”
The FBI says that Atlanta is one of the U.S. cities with the highest rates of trafficking.
