
The 12th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime in Vienna has concluded, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate. Our side-event, ‘Empowering Trafficking Victims Across Borders: Access to Justice and Support Services’, co-hosted with Victim Support Asia and La Strada International, brought critical discussions to light.
Moderated by Anna Alvazzi Del Frate, Executive Director of Kennis: Knowledge for Safety and Good Governance, the event focused on supporting victims of human trafficking through a holistic, victim-centered approach that prioritises their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Key takeaways included the importance of stronger cross-border cooperation, better access to legal and psychological support, and ensuring that victims’ voices remain central in the justice process.
We were also pleased to have one of our submitted questions selected for the Informal Dialogue with the Executive Director Ghada Fathi Waly, focusing on mainstreaming gender perspectives into human trafficking analysis and encouraging criminal justice practitioners to delve deeper into the indicators that drive communities toward trafficking and smuggling. This led to a thought-provoking discussion on the need for data-driven, gender-sensitive responses to better meet victims’ needs.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their insights, and reaffirmed their commitment to a world where victims are not just heard but empowered. Together, we can build a justice system that is safer, fairer, and more inclusive.