Challenging trafficking narratives ahead of FIFA 2026

This summer, Vancouver will host seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the lead-up to major global sporting events like this, a familiar narrative tends to resurface: fears of a spike in human trafficking, particularly for sexual exploitation. Yet, time and again, these claims have been widely circulated without credible evidence or data to support them.

Advocacy organizations such as SWAN Vancouver have raised concerns about newly introduced RCMP anti-trafficking units, warning that such initiatives may conflate consensual sex work with trafficking. Critics argue this approach risks further marginalizing sex workers and could ultimately undermine the safety of already vulnerable communities.

This week on rabble radio, rabble labour reporter Gabriela Calugay-Casuga sits down with Crystal Laderas, the communications manager at SWAN Vancouver, to talk about this issue and why advocating for sex workers' rights and protections is as essential as it is for any other workers in Canada.

About our guest

Crystal Laderas is the communications manager at SWAN Vancouver, an organization that promotes the rights, health and safety of im/migrant women engaged in indoor sex work. She focuses on public education, advocacy, and debunking misinformation. As a former reporter who worked across Western Canada, she encourages ethical and accurate reporting of the community SWAN supports. Crystal also manages ResponsibleReporting.ca, an online resource hub with quick facts, explainers and information for reporting on sex work and human trafficking.

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