Over the last several years, the movement to combat human trafficking has elevated the role of survivors in leadership. Today, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) took another big step forward toward survivor engagement with the creation of the “International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council” (ISTAC).
This new Advisory Council includes 21 survivors of sex trafficking and forced labor from around the globe, including six members from the United States. The launch of the ISTAC was heralded by an esteemed group of anti-trafficking leaders including:
- Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings;
- Tatiana Kotlyarenko, ODIHR Adviser on Anti-Trafficking Issues;
- Princess Eugenie of York;
- Ambassador Per-Anders Sunesson, Sweden;
- Siobhan Mullally, UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons; and
- Kari Johnstone, Acting Director, State Department’s TIP Office.
The speakers highlighted the importance of survivor leadership, a trauma-informed approach to survivor care, and moving beyond merely asking survivors to share their traumatic trafficking experiences.
You can learn more about ISTAC here.