Major International Counter-Trafficking Organizations: Addressing Human Trafficking from Multiple Directions

Abstract

International efforts to address human trafficking are not new, but the rapid expansion of counter-trafficking programs and initiatives over the past two decades is significant. Following adoption of the United Nations Trafficking Protocol in 2000, most countries adopted criminal laws against trafficking, and the number of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and other actors addressing human trafficking greatly increased. Today, estimates number counter-trafficking organizations in the thousands, working in practically every country of the world, including those without anti-trafficking laws. This chapter provides an overview of counter-trafficking IGO and NGO efforts, along with their networks and partnerships with government agencies, the corporate sector, and civil society to reduce human trafficking, hold violators accountable, provide victim services, safeguard workers’ rights, and expand anti-trafficking advocacy on a global scale. Though the efforts detailed here are global in scope, this does not imply domestic NGOs are insignificant. Many of the international organizations described depend on local organizations to carry out their mission. The chapter begins by describing the work of policy and advocacy organizations and then turns to an overview of NGO networks, public-private partnerships, direct service organizations, and organizations engaged in raising awareness and social movement building.