Inside the Fight Against Child Exploitation: Q&A with Destiny Rescue’s CEO Paul Mergard

Established with a central goal of bringing freedom and healing to vulnerable children, Destiny Rescue operates in 5 regions around the world, working closely with law enforcement, governments, and communities to dismantle trafficking networks.

Their mission is not only about immediate rescue but also about providing long-term rehabilitation and support to help survivors reclaim their lives and futures.

By fostering sustainable change, Destiny Rescue is dedicated to breaking the cycle of exploitation and empowering children to lead safe and fulfilling lives.

Destiny Rescue‘s collaboration with the Mosaic Foundation began in 2018 with a shared commitment to ending child exploitation. This collaboration has since grown into a robust partnership that has directly resulted in 67 children being rescued.

We spoke to Paul Mergard, the Chief Executive Officer of Destiny Rescue, to explore the organisation’s pioneering strategies and the remarkable impact it is having across international communities.

Paul shares insights into their comprehensive approach, including rescue operations, rehabilitation programs, and advocacy efforts, shedding light on how their work is making a transformative difference in the fight against child exploitation.

How was Destiny Rescue founded?

Destiny Rescue was established on the Sunshine Coast in 2001, driven by a profound commitment to rescue children from sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Our mission has always been to provide these vulnerable children with a pathway to freedom and a brighter future.

In which countries does Destiny Rescue operate, and why were these locations chosen?

Destiny Rescue operates in five regions across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These locations were selected due to their high incidence of child trafficking and exploitation.

“We strategically focus on regions where the need is most urgent and where our interventions can have the most significant impact.”

How has Destiny Rescue impacted communities affected by child exploitation?

Our work has significantly impacted these communities by not only rescuing children but also by raising awareness and galvanising local efforts against child exploitation. Our collaborations with local law enforcement and community leaders have created safer environments for children.

“Our collaborations with local law enforcement and community leaders has created safer environments for children.”

What is Destiny Rescue’s greatest achievement?

One of our most significant achievements has been our successful partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, which have led to the arrest of just under 1,000 traffickers and the rescue of over 16,000 people. These collaborations exemplify the power of joint efforts in combatting child exploitation and trafficking.

What does it typically cost to rescue and resettle a child?

The cost to rescue and resettle a child is approximately $1,800. This amount covers the entire process, from the initial rescue operation to providing essential aftercare services.

What are the biggest challenges currently facing Destiny Rescue?

One of our foremost challenges is securing consistent funding to sustain our operations. Additionally, we must keep up with the development of complex and evolving trafficking networks. Human trafficking rings are often highly organised, adaptive, and transnational.

Traffickers use sophisticated methods to evade detection, including encrypted communications and the dark web. This complexity makes it difficult for law enforcement to trace and dismantle these networks.

Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, multi-faceted approach involving governments, NGOs, international organisations, and the private sector. It also necessitates focusing on prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships to combat trafficking effectively. We are proud of our partnerships, but there is an obvious challenge in coordinating multiple efforts on this morphing battlefront.

What are Destiny Rescue’s future goals and initiatives?

Our future goals include a key initiative of expanding our rescue operations into more countries across the globe. This is a crucial part of our strategy to combat human trafficking. We also aim to continue working towards influencing government policies to combat trafficking at its roots. We plan to engage the Australian Government and society to raise awareness of the number of Australians complicit in exploiting children online and in person.

How can the public support Destiny Rescue and its mission?

The public can support us by donating to fund rescue operations, participating in fundraising events/efforts, and spreading awareness about the issues of child trafficking and exploitation.

“Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a crucial and transformative role in our mission to rescue more children.”

What is something you wish the public knew about Destiny Rescue or human trafficking?

I wish the public understood the sheer scale and severity of child trafficking globally. It is a pervasive and urgent issue that requires immediate and sustained action. Public support is vital and can be transformative in our fight to end this exploitation.

Destiny Rescue’s cause and mission are of profound, global significance. Their unwavering dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating children drives our continuous support.

Click here to learn more about Destiny Rescue and how you can support their mission.