We fight
human trafficking — together
EXIST is a Danish NGO. We work in Denmark and Nigeria to stop human trafficking based on respect for the inalienable dignity of every human being.
Our vision
Our vision is a world free from human trafficking, where people can live lives in freedom, dignity, and with hope for the future.
Our mission
EXIST works to stop human trafficking, with a special focus on Nigerian women living in forced prostitution or who have exited forced prostitution. We support women in their struggle to regain control of their own lives.
Our values
- HumanityWe affirm the dignity of every person and meet everyone as equals. We believe that all people have the same inherent worth and the right to a life in freedom, security and respect.
- TogethernessWe believe in the potential of each individual and in the strength of coming together. In community, we are stronger, as we learn from one another, support each other and create change together.
- EngagementWe engage ourselves and each other because we are driven to act. Our engagement is driven by indignation, compassion and a will to create change.
From idea to international NGO
EXIST's work is based on a close and long-standing partnership with MeCAHT in Nigeria. As faith-based organizations, we share a common core of values, based on respect for the inherent dignity of the human person, charity and the will to change.
Read the full story- In February, an EXIST board member participated in a monitoring visit to Nigeria. The purpose was to meet with the MeCAHT board to strengthen and concretize the collaboration between...
- The film I Wish I Knew was screened at Cinemateket in Copenhagen. Anne Abok, who is a film director, participated together with James Ikape, daily...
- Two benefit concerts were held to benefit EXIST's work. Both concerts were held in the Eliaskirken Church on Vesterbro Torv in Copenhagen – the church...
- Inter-Faith Conference 3 in Abuja with 100 participants from the Muslim and Christian networks and launch of the booklet: An Inter-Faith training...
- 12 employees from 4 safehouses train 6 employees from 2 new safehouses
- Preparing for the opening of Hadassah safehouse in Ondo with...
Would you like to help make a difference?
EXIST is run by committed volunteers. Regardless of your skills, there is a place for you in our community.
Meet EXIST
The people behind EXIST bring lived experience, expertise and deep commitment to this work.
Employees
Karin Kjaergaard
CEO of EXIST
Karin Kjærgaard is the founder and CEO of EXIST. She has worked dedicatedly to combat human trafficking and support victims of trafficking in Denmark and internationally for many years.
Read more →Board
Thomas Frodin
Chairman of the Board.
Parish priest at the Apostolic Church.
EXIST is an important work because it is not right for any human being to be considered a commodity to be traded. We owe it to each other to uphold the human dignity that all people carry, and which can so easily be forgotten in a busy and cynical world.
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Pernille Tind Simmons
Deputy Chairperson.
Team leader at Lev - Life with a Developmental Disability.
EXIST is an organization with a clear goal of combating human trafficking – one of the most serious violations of universal human rights. Wanting to combat human trafficking is therefore both ambitious and courageous. With concrete initiatives in Denmark and Nigeria, EXIST works holistically and is very aware that as a small organization, you need strong collaborations to succeed.
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Henrik Gunnertoft Bojsen
Cashier.
Senior Manager at Energinet.
People who are victims of human trafficking are among the most vulnerable and neglected of all. EXIST contributes to a more just world, where help and humanity are reached out in a very concrete way.
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David Munis Zepernick
Board member.
Membership and Communications Director Medicon Valley Alliance.
Denmark is a small, open and transparent society, where the perpetrators of trafficking in women would not be able to hide if we only prioritized the fight high enough. The phenomenon of trafficking in women tramples underfoot all the values on which our civilized society is built, and the fight for a Denmark without trafficking in women must therefore be lifted and strengthened both abroad and at home. That is why there is an urgent need for EXIST.
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Jens Vesterager
Board member.
Secretary General, ADRA Denmark.
EXIST works to restore the inherent dignity that everyone is born with – but which is violated when people are abused and trafficked. It is our responsibility and duty to defend the weak and oppressed in our path.
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Mayada Magdi Mohamedani
Board member.
Project manager in the National Unit for Special Crime.
As a former volunteer and part of the leadership team at Night Light Café, I have been involved in the important work that EXIST does. With its holistic approach and belief that all people have the right to a dignified life, I have no doubt for a second that EXIST is helping to combat human trafficking. EXIST contributes to creating a more just world, whether it is in Denmark, Nigeria or in other global contexts.
Read more →Interested in volunteering?
Be a part of building a world free from human trafficking. We are looking for passionate people.
Become a volunteer