Ongoing Projects in Eastern Africa

Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT), GLOS83

The Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT) aims to mobilize state and non-state actors to eradicate human trafficking by (i) reducing both the vulnerability of potential victims and the demand for exploitation in all its forms; (ii) ensuring adequate protection and support to those who do fall victim, and (iii) supporting the efficient prosecution of the criminals involved, while respecting the fundamental human rights of all persons.

In carrying out its mission UN.GIFT will increase the knowledge and awareness on human trafficking; promote effective rights-based responses; build and develop capacity of state and non-state actors; and foster partnerships for joint action against human trafficking."

The strategy will be to take stock, address specific knowledge gaps, develop policy tools, build coalitions, and a concerted plan of action to counter trafficking in persons, in so doing raising public awareness to support prevention efforts, as well as galvanizing a broad-based movement and commitment to solving the problem.


UN.GIFT will include three phases: a preparatory phase, a global stocktaking and implementation phase. The preparatory phase will initiate a global data collection effort, the development of policy tools and a series of regional events designed to strengthen anti-trafficking networks and to generate coordinated initiatives in preparation of the first global stocktaking event, the "Vienna Forum to Fight Human Trafficking" scheduled to be held in Vienna, from 13-15 February 2008. The Vienna Forum will bring together representatives of Member States, United Nations agencies and other international and regional organizations, and will be open to relevant non-governmental organizations, in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Economic and Social Council, business entities, academia, media representatives and individual experts.

During the Implementation phase the political commitment, global network, technical and financial resources built during the first two phases will be harnessed to drive forward a results-oriented agenda. The project is funded by the contribution from the UAE of $15 million.