Human Trafficking: Are We Making Any Progress?

​Hosted by Martina Vandenberg and Minh Dang

​It’s been 25 years since the UN adopted the Palermo Protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons—yet human trafficking remains widespread and deeply entrenched. From sex trafficking to forced labor, millions continue to be exploited, while funding, political will, and public attention remain inconsistent.

​This discussion group offers a space to reflect, question, and look forward. Together, we’ll examine the lessons learned over the past two decades, discuss examples of what’s actually working on the ground, and identify where current strategies are falling short. Participants will explore intersectional challenges, including gender, migration, and economic vulnerability, and share ideas for what the next 25 years of anti-trafficking efforts should look like.

​Key Questions:

• ​What progress—if any—has been made since the Palermo Protocol was adopted in 2000?

• ​What approaches and interventions have proven most effective in preventing or addressing human trafficking?

• ​Where are we seeing persistent gaps—in funding, policy, enforcement, survivor support, and survivor leadership?

• ​How do systemic factors like poverty, climate change, and gender inequality continue to drive trafficking?

• ​What bold ideas or new models should shape the next phase of anti-trafficking work?

​This session is open to advocates, practitioners, survivors, funders, policymakers, and allies who are committed to honest conversation and collective reimagining of how we confront one of the world’s most enduring human rights crises.