La Strada International highlights the importance of listening to and learning from survivors of human trafficking

La Strada International - European NGO Platform against trafficking in Human Beings - acknowledges that trafficked persons themselves play a critical role in the development of effective policies and measures to prevent and combat human trafficking.

Listening to and understanding the experiences of trafficked persons and incorporating their feedback into anti-trafficking initiatives has always been a core practice amongst many anti-trafficking NGOs, including our own members.

However, trafficked persons’ contributions are not always integrated in a meaningful and non-stigmatisatizing manner, and instead often fall short in promoting their rights. Moreover, these initiatives sometimes appear to be employed in order to pacify and quell the critical views put forward by anti-trafficking NGOs.

Reflecting on the enduring and vital need for victim-centred and human rights-centered approaches, La Strada International puts forward 7 actionable recommendations as follows: Be careful in your use of language e to avoid stigmatisation; Ensure that trafficked persons can make a meaningful contribution; Engage trafficked persons in a respectful manner, Allow trafficked persons to express their personal opinions etc.

The full statement Elevating the voice of trafficked persons with dignity and respect alongside the critical role of an independent civil society: https://cutt.ly/LQsRODH