LSI has co-signed a joint statement calling for sustainable and independent support for civil society.
The recent U.S. foreign aid shifts, particularly USAID funding freezes, have created uncertainty and disruption worldwide, directly impacting organizations working to address human trafficking and exploitation. Now more than ever, governments, donors, and international organizations must recognize civil society as an essential security partner and actively support its role as an anti-trafficking stakeholder by ensuring inclusion in decision-making and providing access to sustainable funding.
For years, the U.S. has been a source of funding for anti-trafficking efforts, particularly in regions where national funding is scarce, restrictive legislation hinders access to alternative sources, and funding competition remains high.
As funding landscapes evolve, it is essential – especially against the current backdrop of hostile anti-immigration rhetoric – to build a strong, independent, and adequately resourced civil society to continue its critical grassroots, monitoring work and policy engagement, as well as related awareness and support programs for trafficked people and vulnerable groups.
Ensuring a stable and predictable funding environment is crucial for sustaining global momentum in combating human trafficking and supporting its victims.
Despite their critical role, many anti-trafficking CSOs struggle to access national and foreign funding, including EU funding due to a lack of specialized funding streams, bureaucratic and complex application processes, competition with better-resourced international organizations and commercial consultancy businesses, as well as all kind of legal and political barriers, including restrictive foreign agent laws which limit their funding options.
Five urgent actions to sustain the anti-trafficking response: (1) Bridge the funding gap with emergency grants; (2) Unfreeze and reallocate existing funds; (3) Increase direct support to local organizations; (4) Invest in networks that strengthen the sector; (5) Safeguard civil society’s ability to lead anti-trafficking efforts.
Read the full statement here.