The
United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT)
aims to mobilize state and non-state players to eradicate human
trafficking by reducing both the vulnerability of potential victims and
the demand for exploitation in all its forms; ensuring adequate
protection and support to those who do fall victim, as well as efficient
prosecution of the criminals involved.
Our philosophy is premised on the understanding that human trafficking,
as a global challenge cannot be met by governments, businesses or civil
society alone. Cooperation amongst all stakeholders is the key to an
effective response to this transnational crime. Hence, one of the main
goals of the Global Initiative is to foster partnerships and cooperation
between the public and private sectors and civil society.
UN.GIFT building upon ongoing endeavours by several other members of the
UN system, regional organizations and other stakeholders, taking into
account their respective areas of expertise, accumulated knowledge and
ground-work.
In carrying out its mission, UN.GIFT will increase knowledge and
awareness on human trafficking; promote effective rights-based responses;
build capacity of state and non-state players; and foster partnerships
for joint action against human trafficking.
Under the framework of the UN.GIFT, a global forum “The Vienna Forum to
Fight Human Trafficking” will take place from 13th-15th February 2008.
Objectives of
The Vienna Forum
The
objective of The Vienna Forum is to raise awareness, facilitate
cooperation and partnerships among the various stakeholders.
The Forum will allow for an open environment to enable all parties
involved to take concrete steps to fight human trafficking, within their
spheres of action.
The Forum will be a catalyst for solution-seeking ideas and address three
overriding themes on human trafficking:
- Vulnerability: why
does human trafficking happen;
- Impact: human and
social consequences of human trafficking;
- Action: innovative
approaches to solving complex problems.
Participation
The Vienna
Forum will bring together representatives from Member States, UN system
organizations, other regional and international organizations, the
business community, academia, non-governmental organizations and other
elements of civil society.
Structure
The Vienna
Forum will consist of plenary sessions and a variety of panel discussions
and workshops especially designed to address the multi-faceted dimensions
of human trafficking.
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