How it all began?
Human rights were in the centre of my interests since I started studying law. One of the incentives why I actually began to study at the Faculty of Law was to make sure that law serves people and helps them, not the other way round. Having finished university, I started to work in the human rights area and have stayed there since then. Despite this work being very important and fulfilling, it is at the same time psychically exhausting. Cycling happened to become the only way for me to chill out and relax. I have been taking part in amateur biking races for the 5th year now. However, there was still something missing for me, something that would give biking a deeper sense. In the 1000 miles race, I decided to cycle against human trafficking and to support La Strada. the organisation where I work, and that helps victims of human trafficking. Both activities are a long distance run (or ride, in my case).
Whats our aim?
My aim is to cycle and to finish the race…and at the same time to raise awareness about human trafficking and to raise funds for La Strada activities. By supporting my participation in the race, you will at the same time support La Strada. Finances will be partly used to cover the costs of the race. Most of the funds will directly support La Strada activities.
What is the 1000 miles race?
The 1000 miles race is endurance biking race accross the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The essential condition of the race is to handle the distance by your own. The route is mainly formed by mountaint tracks and paths in the norhtern part of the Czech Republic and in the Slovak mountains. Who´s first in the finnish, wins, no matter how long he or she sleeps, eats or rests. For amateur biking racer like me, this is a challenge. This is not only about physical strength. The race is about moral, patience and a desire to achieve your goal by overcoming any obstacle.
Why do I cycle against human trafficking?
I work in a non-profit organisation called La Strada. We are helping people who became victims of human trafficking. I know that one of the reasons why people become victims of trafficking is the lack of awareness. My job if often similar to a long distance run (or ride) – the main thing is not to let myself be discouraged.
How wide-spread is human trafficking in the world?
World wide estimates of human trafficking are 21 millions of victims (!).
What is La Strada doing?
I work as a lawyer in La Strada, an organisation helping victims of human trafficking. My job is to help people, our clients, who are traumatised by experiences you don´t wish to have. They strived to have a better job, to earn money for their families – they did things we all know – but were abused, deceived, threatened. In La Strada, we work to solve their difficult situation. We provide sheltered acomodation, legal counselling and social services. We also work towards making legislation better and to serve the needs of people.
Why 1000 miles against human trafficking?
Anybody may become a trafficking victim. Abroad, at home, anywhere. Being informed and knowing your rights and possible risks is the most important thing in combating trafficking. For me, this was the reason to start talking about human trafficking also outside my job – on the bike! My goal is also to raise funds for La Strada, an organisation whose work I consider very important.