Strengthening collaboration and advocating for change remain central to the mission of the World Freedom Network (WFN). This quarter, WFN’s global office worked with the World Evangelical Alliance’s UN teams to spotlight issues related to victim identification and domestic work, and it contributed to shaping the agenda for the upcoming review of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking.
In July, the Asia Freedom Network (AFN) co-led the Asia Region Anti-Trafficking (ARAT) Conference in Thailand, which brought together over 700 leaders from across Asia and the Pacific. A key outcome—led by AFN—was the launch of the Asia Region Survivor and Allies Network, a platform for collaboration, peer support, and survivor-led solutions to ensure that policies and programs are shaped by lived experience.
The Oceania Freedom Network (OFN) was also featured at ARAT, leading the first-ever session at a global anti-trafficking forum focused on the often-overlooked Pacific region, where trafficking and exploitation are on the rise. Speakers from New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea shared insights that sparked significant discussion on strengthening government and organizational support for Pacific nations.
OFN has also been active in New Zealand, uniting partners to develop recommendations and advocate for a renewed National Action Plan on trafficking. This unprecedented collaboration across the anti-trafficking sector led to two meetings with government officials, including a cabinet-level minister, to push for stronger action. A briefing paper, collaboratively authored by OFN members, has been widely disseminated across New Zealand government departments. With New Zealand’s response to human trafficking still falling short, these efforts mark a vital step toward real change.
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