Human Trafficking Violates Human Rights (Open)

Human Trafficking Violates Human Rights (2010, No. 5)

The 30th GWI Conference resolves that:

  1. National Federations and Associations (NFAs) educate their members about the issue of trafficking as it relates to their countries, including addressing the primary causes that contribute to the practice;
  2. NFAs urge their respective governments to ensure that they have not only signed, but have also ratified the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (2003); if their countries have done so, NFAs monitor the status of their government’s implementation of the Protocol and take appropriate action where needed; and
  3. GWI use its standing committees, its consultative status with ECOSOC, its website and member networks to advocate for measures that would reduce the incidence of trafficking.

Suggested National Action

  • Identify existing national laws and policies that support the UN Protocol Against Trafficking in Persons; as far as you can, evaluate the effectiveness of these laws at the national level and propose better methods of implementation when necessary.
  • Work at the community level to identify which agencies and organizations are responsible for enforcing human anti-trafficking laws in your country; determine how serious the problem is at the community level.
  • Partner with other NGOs involved in human anti-trafficking efforts, including rehabilitation of victims; and publicize the issue through the local media and public forums, such as parents and education groups.

GWI and NFA Action reported

  • The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Vancouver branch to make representations to fight human trafficking December 2010Action taken in support of GWI Policy Resolution 2010, No. 05 CFUW is working with other British Columbia Clubs and make representations to fight human trafficking.
  • Georgian University Women to organize seminars for journalists and participate in television and radio programs raising awareness on human trafficking December 2010Action taken in support of GWI Policy Resolution 2010, No. 05 Georgian University Women will organize seminars for journalists and NGOs working with victims of human trafficking in order to prevent an increase in their number. They also intend to participate in television and radio programs discussing the issue.
  • The Australian Federation reports that their government has invested another $1.6 million to tackle human trafficking November 2010Action taken in support of GWI Policy Resolution 2010, No. 05 Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs and Justice has announced that another $1.6 million will be invested in tackling human trafficking, including sex and labor exploitation, of which $1.4 million will be granted to NGOs involved in anti-trafficking activities. This will enable more victims to get support and help to bring a new level of community awareness on this international issue. It is recognized that “people trafficking is a major violation of human rights and it can affect women in a particularly severe way”. » Media release
  • The Italian Federation of University Women addresses Human Trafficking at its congress in Rome November 2010Action taken in support of GWI Policy Resolution 2010, No. 05 At its congress in Rome, the Italian Federation addressed the issue of Human Trafficking and recognized that: “To prevent and combat trafficking, community awareness and education programs for parents and teachers are key, together with comprehensive training for grass-roots professionals who come into contact with trafficked women and girls. Funding is fundamental for media campaigns to educate girls about the dangers of travel and trafficking and for setting up shelters that provide psychological and vocational assistance and services.” Read more.
  • The Pakistan Federation of University Women (PFUW) reports on action taken by the Ministry of Women Development (MWD) to prevent women trafficking and violence against women November 2010Action taken in support of GWI Policy Resolution 2010, No. 05 The PFUW has reported that the MWD of Sindh Province and other women Ministers have tabled a resolution preventing women trafficking and violence against women. The issue of “rampant violence against women in the province” was raised, and the following resolution was passed unanimously: “this assembly resolves and recommends to the government of Sindh to take strict action against the culprits involved in the violence of any sort against women which is on the increase in all parts of the province”.
  • The Indian Federation of University Women’s Association (IFUWA) to organize awareness campaigns and petition the government for the implementation of stricter measures October 2010Action taken in support of GWI Policy Resolution 2010, No. 05 Human trafficking is a major concern in India. The borders of Pakistan in the West, Bangladesh in the East and Nepal in the North are functioning as corridors for trafficking in young girls and women especially coming from a middle and lower economic background. They are being trafficked in return for money and ultimately sustain themselves through prostitution. Their dignity and security is thus a matter of concern and responsibility for the Indian Government and its people. IFUWA proposes to: hold seminars and panel discussions to raise public awareness on the issue ; collaborate and partner with other NGOs to increase its impact ; identify anti-trafficking agencies ; involve the media, community and students in the organization of effective campaigns and organize a petition urging the government to implement stricter measures to take care of the situation.
  • Women Graduates-USA (WG-USA) to develop its activities in communities with large immigrant/refugee populations and establish a working group to promote the protection of female migrants October 2010Action taken in support of GWI Policy Resolution 2010, No. 05 WG-USA has made human trafficking one of its priority issues. The association plans to address the issue locally, in communities with large immigrant/refugee populations. A working group of members of expertize is to be established and will base its action on a template that has been developped to encourage individuals to take action. For further information see www.wg-usa.org/program.shtml
  • The Scottish Federation of University Women (SFUW) to make representation to the Scottish Parliament with updated information September 2010Action taken in support of GWI Policy Resolution 2010, No. 05 SFUW has made representations to the Scottish Parliament in the past. It is now working towards lobbying Government with up-to-date information and knowledge.

Other NFAs working on this resolution: The New Zealand Federation of Graduate Women

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