(UNODC) will assume the co-chairpersonship of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) in 2025. This election marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a regional international organization will co-chair this global forum created by the United Nations to coordinate efforts against human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a crime that affects millions of people worldwide, violating their fundamental human rights. Through this co-chairpersonship, the OAS is committed to strengthening the fight against this scourge through coordinated and effective global responses.
During this week's meeting of ICAT member organizations' representatives, Steven Griner, Director of the OAS Department of Public Security, highlighted the consultative and inclusive approach that will characterize this co-chairpersonship. "Our goal is to build consensus and strengthen international cooperation to eradicate human trafficking," Griner stated.
The OAS-UNODC co-chairpersonship will address six key priorities for 2025:
1. Integrating the voices of survivors in all initiatives.
2. Strengthening presence in multilateral processes.
3. Engaging local actors in the response against trafficking.
4. Analyzing the nexus between human trafficking and other crimes such as corruption, gender-based violence, and the illicit trafficking of migrants.
5. Protecting children and adolescents from trafficking.
6. Considering the intersectionality with vulnerable groups and minorities.
