Solidarity Kilometres in Alicante to Raise Awareness on Freedom and Human Trafficking

Kilometres of solidarity in Alicante to raise awareness about human trafficking, a problem that is practically "invisible" to society, as stated by Lieutenant Paula Matutano, head of the human trafficking section of the Technical Unit of the Judicial Police (UTPJ), during the press conference presenting the race.

The First Solidarity Race for Freedom and Against Human Trafficking, organised by the Armed Institute and the NGO Fiet, will be held on 25th May at San Juan Beach, with a start scheduled for nine in the morning. To participate in this five-kilometre route, prior registration is required, which can be done through the Chiplevante platform for a solidarity price of ten euros.

During the presentation of the solidarity event, Colonel José Hernandez, head of the Civil Guard Command in Alicante, highlighted that the route will be "short but very emotional" and encouraged citizens to participate. Meanwhile, Matutano defined the investigation in this area as a "priority" and noted that this crime is "completely invisible in society."

Furthermore, she emphasised the importance of reporting possible cases to the authorities and reminded that there may be "indicators" that a person "is suffering from exploitation," which must be reported.

She also warned of the "false belief" that in Spain, as a developed country, there are no cases of human trafficking, sexual exploitation of women and children, or labour exploitation of men. The specialist estimated that more than 600 victims of trafficking were freed by the Civil Guard in 2024.

"It is a figure that may seem low compared to other crimes such as gender-based violence against women, but we must not forget that these victims are a vulnerable group and we must not leave them behind," she added.

Furthermore, Matutano reiterated the idea of "making the crime of human trafficking visible at a national level so that citizens know that this can happen close to their environment," while adding that this race serves to "value all those people who took that first step to report a case of exploitation."

On the other hand, the mission of the NGO Fiet is to fight against human trafficking, with the obligation to integrate them into society and ensure they have a "normal life," according to its communications manager, Javier Lacave. Additionally, he stated that the organisation assisted more than 1,600 people across Spain last year, with the collaboration of over 45 professionals and more than a hundred volunteers.

Regarding the head of the Fiet New Beginnings House in Alicante, Agustina Canales, she highlighted their mobile unit service, which "offers alternatives for residential resources, hygiene, and essential products," and emphasised the entity's work "in all the city's neighbourhoods." In fact, she reported on the residential resource with minors that Fiet has in the Alicante region, with ten places.