Combating Trafficking in Human beings: Improving Prevention and Prosecution

Baku, Azerbaijan
8 May 2013

The first South Caucasus Forum took place in Baku, bringing together more than 300 foreign experts, high-ranking officials, former heads of state and government, and scholars to discuss the region’s present situation and hopes for the future. The Forum was organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and Club de Madrid (the largest worldwide forum of former heads of state), with the support of Azerbaijan State Committee on Work with Diaspora.  The gathering allow for the presentation of key messages and commitments of the Club de Madrid’s “Shared Societies Project” to raise awareness and contribute to building a shared society in Azerbaijan.

Topics under discussion during the two-day conference  included regional integration and cooperation, as well as the protection of women’s rights, the upholding of religious freedoms and the cessation of human trafficking, organized by EHTN on 8 May. “Combating Trafficking in Human beings: Improving Prevention and Prosecution” was an interactive session that explored different aspects of human trafficking – such as security, legal or business – and suggested some good practices and solutions to tackle this illicit issue.

President Aliyev used his opening speech to acknowledge Azerbaijan’s regional ties, while pointing to economic diversification and the democratization of Azeri society as clear priorities for his administration. He noted the country’s tremendous strides towards a burgeoning economy and the reduction of poverty, but stressed that “if we do not diversify our economy, we can not gain greater achievement”, pointing to recent developments in alternative energy and the launch of the country’s first telecommunications satellite as crucial steps to combat over-dependence on oil and gas. President Aliyev concluded by saying that Azeri economic progress since Independence had been consolidated, and that the next step was to turn “black gold” into human capital through education and progressive policies: the “transition from totalitarian society to democratic society, from state economy to private economy”.

Background Information

Logistics Note
Program

 

The ceremony of the Business Leader’s Award to Fight Human Trafficking

Davos, Switzerland
25 January 2013

The second ceremony of the Business Leader’s Award to Fight Human Trafficking was held during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum on 25 January 2013 at 7.30 pm at the Derby Dome, Davos, Switzerland. This biannual award honors business executives who have made a substantial contribution to the fight against human trafficking. It aims to serve as an incentive to greater innovation and as a tool to identify and reward those executives who have shown enthusiasm in, and dedication for tackling this issue – those who have made a significant impact on ensuring respect and support for the human rights of employees and community stakeholders alike. Cosponsored by EHTN, the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT) and the United Nations Global Compact, the Trophy itself is designed and donated by Chopard, author of the Palme d’Or of the Cannes Film Festival. The winner is selected by an international Jury of distinguished personalities.

The inaugural award in 2010 honored outstanding executives from LexisNexis, Carlson Companies and The Body Shop International. It has already served to inspire many business leaders and this year’s field of nominees was equally impressive!

Background Information

  1. Logistics Note
  2. Program
  3. The ceremony of the Business Leader’s Award to Fight Human Trafficking (Background Document)
  4. End Human Trafficking Now: Join us in ending modern-day slavery
  5. End Human Trafficking Now Board Members 2012
  6. The E-Learning Tool for Businesses on Human Trafficking
  7. Youth Against Human Trafficking: Why should you care?
  8. List of Participants

Speeches

  1. Mrs. Marianna Vardinoyannis (Keynote Speaker)
  2. Mr. Yury Fedotov
  3. Dr. Nafis Sadik
  4. Mr. Tristan Forster (Winner’s Speech)

 

Press Releases

  1. Davos to host Business Leader’s Award of the year! | Français | Deutsch
  2. Winner of the Business Leader’s Award Announced!

 

Roundtable Luncheon: Ending Human Trafficking is Smart Business

New York, USA
23 March 2012

Today, the world community is increasingly coming to grips with human trafficking in its various forms. EHTN was among the first to not only bring this issue to the world community and mobilize the private sector in its entirety but to also push for the adoption of the Athens Ethical Principles – a zero-tolerance commitment to tackle this crime. Together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), it has accelerated its reach with the corporate world to take the lead in addressing this problem. It has emphasized the business win-win approach, since ethical business practice has proven to contribute to sustainable profits and economic advantage. Businesses are gradually obtaining ownership of anti-trafficking initiatives within their sphere of influence and are applying self-regulatory standards as part of their corporate social responsibility. It is in this spirit that EHTN and UNODC organized a luncheon with the business community in New York. Following a tradition, it was an opportunity to honor the President of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, as the keynote speaker.

Background Information

  1. Concept Note
  2. Agenda
  3. Report of the New York Luncheon
  4. Corporate Membership Package
  5. Business Leader’s Award
  6. Case Studies
  7. E-Learning Tool
  8. Youth Against Trafficking
  9. UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons
  10. List of Participants

Press Release

  1. Top corporations highlight ending human trafficking as “smart business”

 

EHTN-HEC Geneva End Human Trafficking Now Award – in partnership with ManpowerGroup and Cercle HEC

Geneva, Switzerland
21 November 2011

To examine the relationship between human trafficking and the private sector, HEC of Geneva University and the Cercle HEC, in partnership with End Human Trafficking Now and ManpowerGroup, launched a competition for students to submit papers on “Human trafficking and its implications on businesses” on 21 November at Geneva University. Students enrolled in a Swiss university during the academic year 2011–2012 are eligible to enter the competition. Their paper may be written by one or more students and should be submitted in either English or French online to award@ehtn.org. The competition will run until close of business (6 pm CET) 30 June 2012.

Background Information

  1. Poster | Affiche
  2. Program | Programme
  3. Call for papers | Appel à contributions

 

Speeches

  1. Charles Adams, Board Member EHTN and Managing Partner, Akin Gump Hauer & Feld LLP
  2. Michel Léonard, Director HEC
  3. Bastien Probst, President Cercle-HEC

 

Press Releases

  1. Students in Swiss universities enter competition to write on human trafficking and implications for business
  2. Les étudiants des universités suisses relèvent le défi d’écrire sur la traite des êtres humains et ses implications sur l’activité commerciale

 

Ending Human Trafficking is Smart Business

Bangkok, Thailand
26 July 2011

As part of the Second Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Week, EHTN and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) co-organized a side-event entitled, “Ending Human Trafficking is Smart Business”, in Bangkok, during which 10 businesses immediately signed on to the Athens Ethical Principles. The event was sponsored by the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) of Thailand. For the first time in the region, discussions directly focused on practicable and concrete steps that the Asian-Pacific business community could take to end human trafficking.

Background Information

  1. Bangkok Luncheon Report
  2. Extract Report APBF-EHTN
  3. APBF Complete Report

 

End Human Trafficking Now: Enforcing the UN Protocol

Luxor, Egypt
10-12 December 2010

The End Human Trafficking Now (EHTN) campaign in partnership with the United Nations and the Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT), Orascom Telecom Holding, Manpower, the GAP, Microsoft, the World Bank, and Vital Voices Global Partnership, held an international forum to focus on key issues related to human trafficking, identify best practices and positive experiences, and carve out a set of challenges to pursue with various partners. It represents a milestone in international efforts to combat the crime, ten years after the Palermo Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons. The Forum adopted the Luxor Protocol – a comprehensive compliance programme for businesses to tackle human trafficking. Moreover, it provided a platform for launching the E-Learning Tool for businesses to fight human trafficking. During a special ceremony, the winners of the first-ever Business Leader’s Award to Fight Human Trafficking were announced.

Background Information

  1. Luxor Forum Programme
  2. Luxor Key Messages
  3. Luxor Forum Concept Paper
  4. The Business Leader’s Award
  5. World preview of Not My Life by Academy Award nominee Robert Bilheimer
  6. Trailer Not My Life
  7. Not My Life Partner Program
  8. Launch of the eLearning Tool to Fight Human Trafficking
  9. BBC World Debate
  10. The Luxor Protocol
  11. Signatories of the Luxor Protocol
  12. List of Participants

Speeches

  1. H.E. Suzanne Mubarak addresses the “Youth Speak Out Against Human Trafficking” Workshop
  2. H.R.H. Sheikha Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Opening Session of Forum
  3. Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of UNODC, Opening Session of Forum
  4. Video Message by the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Opening Session of Forum
  5. H.R.H. Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Opening Session of Forum
  6. H.E. Suzanne Mubarak, Opening Session of Forum
  7. H.H. the Aga Khan, Business Leader’s Award Ceremony
  8. Bjørn Haugland, Chief Operating Officer, DNV Sustainability and Innovation, Business Leader’s Award Ceremony
  9. H.E. Suzanne Mubarak, Business Leader’s Award Ceremony
  10. H.R.H. Princess Basma Bint Talal of Jordan, Recommendations, Closing Session of Forum
  11. H.E. Suzanne Mubarak, Closing Session of Forum

Press Releases

  1. Final call for nominations: The Business Leader’s Award to Fight Human Trafficking, 30 September 2010
  2. Business leaders convene in Luxor to step up anti-trafficking efforts, 10 December 2010
  3. Winners of the inaugural Business Leader’s Award to Fight Human Trafficking announced, 12 December 2010
  4. Luxor Recommendations highlight the leading role of the business in ending human trafficking, 12 December 2010

 

Human Trafficking at the Crossroads: Private-Public Partnership to Fight Human Trafficking

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
2-3 March 2009

The Conference “Human Trafficking at the Crossroads” was held in the Kingdom of Bahrain from 2-3 March 2009. It brought together more than 300 representatives from Governments, United Nations entities, non-governmental and international organizations, the business community, academia and civil society. Over one and half days, four interactive sessions and a roundtable were held. These sessions explored private-public partnership within the themes of National Strategies against Human Trafficking; Legal Framework and Criminal Justice Response; Engagement of Businesses against Human Trafficking; Prevention Strategy & Support; and the Role of the Media & Art/Culture. The event was extensively covered by national, regional and international media.

Increasingly aware of the risk posed by this global scourge, the Bahrain conference was a step forward towards generating consolidated support and political will from the region and beyond. All sectors of society proved to have an important role to play in tackling human trafficking. Governments are stepping up their efforts to address the root causes of human trafficking and develop counter measures. The private sector is increasingly recognizing the magnitude of the problem and its share of responsibility in tackling this issue in its own sphere of influence. And the pivotal role civil society and non-governmental organizations play in highlighting the problem, in calling for action and in providing support to victims of trafficking, is particularly appreciated.

Background Information

  1. Bahrain Concept Paper
  2. Bahrain Programme
  3. Bahrain Report
  4. Manama Declaration
  5. The Golden Book: A Call to End Human Trafficking Volume II

Speeches

  1. H.E. Suzanne Mubarak, Keynote Address
  2. Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of UNODC, Keynote Address
  3. David Arkless, Manpower President – Corporate and Government Affairs & Special Envoy of the campaign “End Human Trafficking Now”, Keynote Address
  4. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
  5. Anja Ebnöther, Assistant Director, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF)
  6. H.E. Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, President of the United Nations General Assembly, Closing Address

Press Release

  1. Human Trafficking at the Crossroads, 2 March 2009

 

Public-Private Partnerships to End Human Trafficking and Forced Labor: New Business Solutions to a Global Challenge

Hong Kong, China
19 April 2007

To multiply the success of the Athens Roundtable in other regions, the Business Leadership Summit was held in the Hong Kong to promote the Athens Ethical Principles in the Asia-Pacific region. The Summit aimed to engage more business leaders in the fight against human trafficking in the region. The co-organizers included CSR Asia, Manpower Inc, Microsoft Inc, End Human Trafficking Now, the United Nations Office for Prevention of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Vital Voices Global Partnership.

The Summit offered a great opportunity for leading business representatives in the region to learn about successful business practices in addressing the issue of human trafficking. It also enabled the exchange of views with world political leaders and major international and local organizations working on this issue in the Asia Pacific region.

Background Information

  1. Concept Note
  2. Hong Kong Program
  3. Good Practices Guide
  4. List of Participants

Sample Speeches

  1. Dr. Aleya Hammad
  2. Jacob Gertz Schlundt

Media-related

  1. Hong Kong Summit Flyer
  2. Media Advisory
  3. Save the Date

 

The Athens Roundtable: Business Community Against the Trafficking of Human Beings

Athens, Greece
23 January 2006

The involvement of the private sector is imperative in addressing the serious and growing problem of human trafficking, especially of women and children. It is within this context that a roundtable was held in Athens on 23 January 2006, with representatives of the business community to adopt a set of ethical principles against human trafficking and further, to explore ways and means for their implementation.

The roundtable was organized under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was co-hosted by Motor Oil, one of the leading business companies in Greece, and cosponsored by prominent international organizations in the fight against human trafficking – the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). The roundtable brought together CEOs from the private sector, representatives of NGOs, international organizations, governments and individuals to discuss and share their expertise in contributing in putting an end to human trafficking. They agreed to adopt a set of principles – the Athens Ethical Principles – to declare zero tolerance and their specific commitment to fighting this crime. It was during the Athens Roundtable that the End Human Trafficking Now campaign was launched.

Background Information

  1. Athens Roundtable Business Brief
  2. Athens Roundtable Report
  3. Athens Elements of an Action Plan
  4. Human Trafficking: Why you and your company should act against it
  5. The Golden Book: A Call to End Human Trafficking Volume I
  6. Life Link Project

Press Release

  1. The campaign “End Human Trafficking Now” is launched with the private sector, 27 January 2006