OAS and UNODC to Assume Co Chairpersonship of the Inter Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) in 2025

Press Release

OAS and UNODC to Assume Co-Chairpersonship of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) in 2025

(UNODC) will assume the co-chairpersonship of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) in 2025. This election marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a regional international organization will lead this global forum created by the United Nations to coordinate efforts against human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a crime that affects millions of people worldwide, violating their fundamental human rights. Through this co-chairpersonship, the OAS is committed to strengthening the fight against this scourge through coordinated and effective global responses.

During this week's meeting of ICAT member organizations' representatives, Steven Griner, Director of the OAS Department of Public Security, highlighted the consultative and inclusive approach that will characterize this co-chairpersonship. "Our goal is to build consensus and strengthen international cooperation to eradicate human trafficking," Griner stated.

The OAS-UNODC co-chairpersonship will address six key priorities for 2025:

1. Integrating the voices of survivors in all initiatives.

2. Strengthening presence in multilateral processes.

3. Engaging local actors in the response against trafficking.

4. Analyzing the nexus between human trafficking and other crimes such as corruption, gender-based violence, and the illicit trafficking of migrants.

5. Protecting children and adolescents from trafficking.

6. Considering the intersectionality with vulnerable groups and minorities.

ICAT is a coalition of organizations and international agencies working together to respond to human trafficking. Its main objective is to coordinate efforts and strategies to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders. ICAT focuses on improving cooperation between different entities and promoting effective policies to address this serious global problem. More information on ICAT and its initiatives can be found here.

The OAS is committed to the fight against human trafficking, prioritizing inclusive, gender-sensitive, and culturally relevant approaches, and promoting collaboration among Member States to combat this crime. Find out all the OAS does against trafficking in persons here.

Reference: E-099/24