Survivors of Human Trafficking Advisory Council Initiative

An estimated 49.6 million people are enslaved in human trafficking globally, more than at any previous time in history. It is our belief that anti-trafficking efforts can only be successful when diverse professionals are involved, especially those with the lived experience of human trafficking. The Survivors of Human Trafficking Advisory Council Initiative is a recommendation for governmental leaders to:

1. Recognize the importance of leadership and advisement from individuals with lived experience in policies and legislation surrounding human trafficking.
2. Agree with the belief that trauma-informed steps should be established within their country for eventual partnerships with victims of trafficking to advise and make national recommendations about anti-trafficking policies, programs and best-practices.

Importance of Lived Experience Expertise in Governmental Decision-Making

Survivors of trafficking offer necessary insight and expertise into the anti-trafficking field that contributes to the development of governmental and non-governmental policies and practices. Their engagement also empowers lived experience experts with leadership skills as they partner with government agencies and organizations to improve services for individuals, identify gaps, and develop programs and policies.

Recommended Role of Members on a National Advisory Council

• Provide policy advice and recommendations surrounding anti-trafficking efforts and best practices to senior government officials.
• Advise collaborative partners such as civil society organizations in the development of various policies, procedures and tools to serve victims of human trafficking.
• Provide expert feedback on current governmental anti-trafficking policies, procedures and key government partnerships.
• Advisement specifically on workforce development and economic empowerment for individuals who were victims of human trafficking.
• Publish an annual report with recommendations and findings from these assessments.
• All members of a Survivors of Human Trafficking Advisory Council should receive financial compensation for their efforts.