On 13 July, UNODC organised an online interactive multi-stakeholder hearing on the UN Global Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons. La Strada International contributed with an intervention, raising concern about the remaining gaps in the implementation of anti-trafficking action in Europe and globally. La Strada International continues to note serious gaps in the prevention and prosecution of human trafficking, as well as the identification, protection and support to trafficked persons.
The Platform in particular called upon States to equally address all forms of human trafficking and define policies and measures that are based on a human rights approach, as well as to effectively prevent human trafficking and to improve access to residence and international protection for trafficked persons.
As stated by LSI, International Coordinator Suzanne Hoff ‘For effective prevention it is essential that root causes of human trafficking are effectively addressed, including the structural drivers of exploitation and abuse. While there is much ado about addressing demand, measures have so far mainly pointed at the sex industry and been focusing on criminalising the clients of sex workers, which has done nothing to address the real root causes of human trafficking. Moreover migration policies focus mainly on promoting return instead of facilitating legal migration’. Also the Global Alliance against Traffic in Women (GAATW) and other civil society actors intervened. See intervention by GAATW.
The hearing organised by UNODC is part of the preparatory process for the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on the appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, to be held from 22 to 23 November 2021 at UNHQ, New York, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 75/283
The United Nations Global Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons was first adopted by the General Assembly on 30 July 2010. The Action Plan includes concrete actions to prevent trafficking in persons, protect and assist victims, prosecute related crimes and strengthen partnerships among Governments, civil society organizations and the private sector, including the media.
The hearing on 13 of July have been recorded and are available via the United Nations Web TV, see morning session and afternoon session. See further the Concept Note and Provision Agenda for the Multi-stakeholder Hearing.