Manuel Capellin - Honduras

Manuel Capellin leads the efforts of Casa Alianza (Covenant House) and is a passionate defender of trafficking victims, running the only shelter in Honduras dedicated specifically to victims of human trafficking. Casa Alianza treats 80-100 underage victims a year, and also assists other street children and children with substance abuse problems in Tegucigalpa. Mr. Capellin also launched Casa Alianza's Querubines Center, a secure shelter which houses 25 victims of sexual exploitation at a time, and provides victims with food, clothing, medical attention, psychological counseling, witness and legal assistance, vocational training, and access to education. Querubines Center works closely with Honduran prosecutors on prosecuting trafficking cases in court. In conjunction with the Mayor's Office of Tegucigalpa, Mr. Capellin launched a public awareness-raising campaign about the dangers of human trafficking. His tireless efforts have increased awareness of trafficking in persons and long-term assistance to victims throughout Honduras.