IOM in collaboration with global technology companies, civil society organizations, and UN agencies has launched “Tech Against Trafficking”, a collaborative to support the eradication of human trafficking. This year “Tech Against Trafficking” will focus on mapping and analysing the landscape of existing tech-focused initiatives to tackle human trafficking.
Head of Human Rights at Nokia, Laura Okkonen said, “We need to collaborate more closely as an industry and together join forces with experts in the fight to stop human trafficking. That way, we will maximize the positive impact of technology while also continuing to foster an open and transparent dialogue within the coalition, as well as with our other stakeholders.”
According to the Head of IOM’s Migrant Protection and Assistance Division in Geneva,Anh Nguyen, “Traffickers are adept at using new information and communications technologies to exploit people. We must be creative. Technological advances can also be used to help combat trafficking, and better identify and protect victims. IOM is therefore very pleased that leading tech companies have joined forces, and we look forward to supporting their efforts.”
The key findings will be shared publicly by the end of the year and will help the coalition develop a three-year strategy. Focus areas may include cloud and mobile apps; basic hardware; national helplines; data tools; and supply chain transparency tools; all of which will support all members of the coalition to raise awareness of human trafficking and guide responses.
IOM is also a member of the Responsible and Ethical Private Sector Coalition against Trafficking Initiative (RESPECT), which brings together key thought leaders, practitioners, and policy makers to identify