The fight against human trafficking has reached a pivotal moment in history with global partnerships, policy innovation, and targeted action leading the charge. Over the past year, a series of groundbreaking initiatives have elevated the international response to trafficking, particularly the often overlooked issue of orphanage trafficking.
As we look toward 2025, the focus will intensify on addressing the intersection between global security and child exploitation. 2024 set an incredible foundation for our work in the future through:
Convenings with Global Government Leaders
Building alliances at the highest levels of government remains the cornerstone of our work to stop human trafficking. Notable progress has been made through direct engagements with top anti-trafficking leaders from around the world:
– US Trafficking-in-Persons Ambassador Cindy Dyer and US Director of the Office of Trafficking in Persons at HHS Katherine Chon joined us to share domestic and international policy ideas.
– UK Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons has been a pivotal voice in advocating for comprehensive anti-trafficking and child protection measures across the United Kingdom and beyond.
These convenings with key policymakers have fostered an environment of mutual trust and cooperation, which will be essential for continuing global progress.
Campaign: UN Pact for the Future
We were grateful that human trafficking was included in the UN Pact for the Future after initially being omitted. This development marks an important step forward in ensuring that combating trafficking remains a priority in international policy discussions.
Launch of World Leader Articles Initiative
A new initiative, World Leader Articles, aims to showcase the voices of global leaders in the anti-trafficking movement. These leaders, representing a variety of countries and sectors, contribute articles that address specific aspects of the ongoing fight to stop human trafficking. This series is an invaluable resource for understanding the diverse approaches to tackling trafficking from a policy, legislative, and humanitarian perspective.
Forums and Global Events
The movement’s presence at major global forums has also been a critical aspect of its success. This includes participation as a key presenter at:
– The Annual Campaign for Uyghur Convening in Montreal, a forum dedicated to raising awareness about the ongoing persecution and trafficking of Uyghur Muslims.
– The Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum in Washington, D.C., where legislative leaders discuss pressing global security issues, including trafficking.
– Members have presented on behalf of the Taskforce at key global government convening, including at the United Nations and OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe), receiving widespread attention and driving action.
These events offer crucial opportunities to educate policymakers and security leaders, furthering the conversation on how human trafficking undermines both human rights and global stability.
Working Group on Orphanage Trafficking
Perhaps one of the most impactful areas of focus this year has been the Working Group on Orphanage Trafficking. This under-recognized form of trafficking exploits vulnerable children and deceives people, particularly in Western countries like the United States, who are unknowingly defrauded by traffickers posing as adoption agencies. The group has made significant strides in raising awareness and implementing concrete legislative action to end this crime.
First Legislative Guide Created
Lawmaker’s Guide to Stop Orphanage Trafficking: This first-of-its-kind guide has become a critical resource for legislators around the world. Featuring contributions from leading academics and legislators, it has been adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the largest parliamentary assembly in the world, which includes 172 nations. The government of Australia has also embraced the guide, promoting it globally.
As this movement continues to gain momentum, there is hope that a future free from human trafficking is not just possible but within reach.
