The Working Group on Trafficked Children is a relatively new group made up of a number of No’s interested in following this issue. The next meeting is on August 11, 2009 in New York. Good Shepherd is a member of this group. If you are interested in becoming involved it is a good time to start because the group is defining it vision statement and drafting its strategic plan. The organizational statement of the Working Group on Trafficked Children reads “concerned about the rapid increase in the trafficking of children, the NGO Working Group on Trafficked Children works for the formation of effective international and national policies, to end child trafficking. We place particular emphasis on the special vulnerability of the girl child.” To be effective we need your collaboration – your expertise, your views and opinions. You can do this by replying on the comment line just below this post.
Vision Statement
The ultimate goal of the Working Group on Trafficking in Children is to help end child trafficking. We aim to ensure that children are made visible in international counter-trafficking efforts at the United Nations.
Strategic Plan for 2009 to 2011
1. Education and resource development
a) Educate and inform WGTC members: i. Develop vision statement and strategic plan. ii. Maintain and contribute to AirSet database. iii Monthly meetings, including speakers. iv. Attend child trafficking events at the UN and in the NYC area.
b) Educate the public: i. Prepare fact sheets on child trafficking issues. ii. Develop community education programs. iii. Host UN side events. iv. Create a resource bank – websites, films, books, tool kits on the issue of child trafficking.
2. Networking
a) Build and maintain contact with children’s advocacy groups, such as ECPAT: (End Child Prostitution Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes): http://www.ecpat.net/EI/index.asp i. Members attend meeting of other groups. ii. Members share WGTC agenda with networks
b) Share successful advocacy efforts and best practices: i. Forward position papers to organization representatives. ii Gather examples of successful advocacy on the ground.
c) Collaborate in hosting side events and other events.
d) Exchange speakers.
3. Advocacy
a) Advocate for language that reflects the reality of the dignity of the human person.
b) Develop position papers: i. Defining “decent work” . ii. Legalization vs abolitionist (prostitution). iii Cruelty-free and free trade products.
c) Influence UN delegation positions on child trafficking: i. Create list of friendly missions. ii. Collaborate with missions who are leading on the issue of child trafficking. iii. Distribute position papers to UN missions.
d) Develop a relationship with UNODC (United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime): i. Set up initial meeting to discuss WGTC involvement. ii Distribute position papers to UNODC.