Publications

The first-ever Action Plan was endorsed by the ICAT heads of agency at the second meeting of principals, held on 15 December 2020. The document outlines strategic follow-up actions which ICAT will focus on in support of the six thematic priorities jointly identified in the ICAT Analytical Review on the 20th anniversary of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol.

The 2020 ICAT Chairs’ Annual Report presents key milestones in 2020 under its UN Women and OSCE co-chairpersonship, including on areas such as non-punishment of trafficking victims, trafficking for forced labour, and the impact of COVID-19 on trafficking victims. The report further presents the joint Analytical Review of anti-trafficking efforts as well as the strategic way forward for ICAT. 

The third edition of the ICAT Highlights series provides an overview on activities, events and publications in the period from September to December 2020, as well as informing about upcoming plans. 

The second edition of the ICAT Highlights series provides an overview on activities, events and publications in the period from May - August 2020.

On the occasion of World Day against Trafficking in Persons, ICAT collectively pays tribute to front-line professionals who deliver life-saving assistance to victims of trafficking.

Forced labour, slavery and trafficking in persons have been issues of concern for the international community since the nineteenth century. While these concepts overlap in practice, they are defined separately in international law. At their core, these crimes are an affront to the rights, liberty, dignity and autonomy of their victims. This issue brief is focused on the specific issue of trafficking in persons for the purpose of forced labour. Its purpose is to increase awareness of the issue and call for enhanced policy action, identification and protection of victims, and accountability for perpetrators.

FRENCH

Spanish

Victims of trafficking are subjected to exploitation in various ways. Sometimes, as a result of their victimization, they engage in illegal conduct. Common examples include involvement in the sex trade, involvement in drug production or trafficking, petty crime, possession or the use of fraudulent docu­ments or entering another country in a manner that does not comply with its immigration laws. In many cases, victims are forced or otherwise compelled by traffickers to commit these crimes or other illegal conduct. This fact is then used by traffickers as a means of maintaining further control over their victims. In some cases, a victim may be unaware that they have broken the law. This issue brief explores the non-punishment principle and identifies key considerations to inform the development of measures to better support its implementation.

Russian French Spanish

The Interagency Coordination Group Against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) is the lead policy forum of the United Nations, mandated by the General Assembly, to improve coordination among United Nations agencies and other relevant international organizations to facilitate a holistic and comprehensive approach to preventing and combating trafficking in persons, including protection and support for victims of trafficking. With 25 member organizations and partner international organizations as of April 2020, ICAT aspires to be a model of effective multilateralism and coordination across the United Nations system and beyond. This Factsheet provides concise information on ICAT, including on its mandate, membership and latest work on countering trafficking in persons.

The current COVID-19 outbreak has drastically affected the lives of millions around the globe. While health responses are a priority, concerns have emerged on the short and long-term impact that the pandemic and the measures taken to control it have and will likely have on the crime of trafficking in persons and its victims. A number initiatives have been actioned across the ICAT membership to increase advocacy and policy guidance in identifying key areas of concern and developing responses to address the impact of COVID-19.

The 2019 ICAT Chairs’ Annual Report presents key milestones in 2019 under its UN Women and OSCE co-chairpersonship, including on areas such as human trafficking and technology, supply chains and sustainable procurement, as well as ICAT’s contributions to intergovernmental processes.