To date, 167 countries are parties to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children,[2] which supplements the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
The Global Initiative is based on a simple principle: human trafficking is a crime of such magnitude and atrocity that it cannot be dealt with successfully by any government alone.
By encouraging and facilitating cooperation and coordination, the UN.GIFT aims to create synergies among the anti-trafficking activities of UN agencies, international organizations and other stakeholders to develop the most efficient and cost-effective approach to fight human trafficking.
UN.GIFT mobilizes State and non-state actors to eradicate human trafficking by: (a) Reducing both the vulnerability of potential victims and the demand for exploitation in all its forms; (b) Ensuring adequate protection and support to those who do fall victim; and (c) Supporting the efficient prosecution of the criminals involved, while respecting the fundamental human rights of all persons.
To foster awareness, global commitment and action to counter human trafficking in partnership with different stakeholders including governments, the international community, non-governmental organizations and other elements of civil society and the media; and 2.
The UN.GIFT alliance is composed of the six major international organizations providing technical know-how and expertise to Governments and non-governmental entities in addressing the human trafficking challenge.
IOM's primary aims are to prevent human trafficking and protect victims of the trade by offering them options for safe and sustainable reintegration and/or return.
Its anti-trafficking work is based on a dual strategy that addresses prevention by focusing on the root causes creating vulnerability, such as economic disparities, conflict and discrimination, as well as reinforcing victim assistance and protection.
The Organization works closely with its 56 participating States to catalyse political will at the national level in countries of origin, transit and destination, to facilitate dialogue and better coordination and cooperation in combating all forms of trafficking in human beings, increase capacity building and involvement of all relevant stakeholders, be it state institutions or civil society, in developing zero tolerance towards slavery and exploitation of trafficked persons.
It focuses on the criminal justice system response to human trafficking, and also includes further provisions on victim protection and preventive measures.