NATO Civil Society Advisory Panel discusses trafficking in persons

27th of April 2021. Today, the Women for Africa Foundation has participated in a meeting of NATO’s Civil Society Advisory Panel to examine the review process of NATO’s Policy on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.

The Policy, adopted in 2004, has been needing an update for some time. The meeting, summoned by Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security Clare Hutchinson, discussed the need for a gender-sensitive approach that focuses on human rights.

Suggestions included the need to explore the connections between human trafficking and immigration, the use of new technologies and the connection with the financing of international terrorism.

The NATO Civil Society Advisory Panel was created in 2016 to promote closer collaboration with citizens in advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Women for Africa joined this panel in September 2020, and we are represented by our project coordinator, Professor of Public International Law Alicia Cebada.

Moving forward on the priorities of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, as well as inclusive security, are objectives to which Women for Africa is particularly committed. On this bases, we have recently created the Women’s Alliance for Peace, together with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.

The NATO Civil Society Panel is composed of 15 experts, representing the views of different organisations in civil society. Members must demonstrate knowledge and expertise on issues related to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. It meets virtually on a monthly basis and in person once a year. Women for Africa will be represented by Professor and Project Coordinator Alicia Cebada.

Five members of the Panel come from Allied countries, another five from partner countries organisations and the other five represent organisations from conflict-affected countries or regions. The Women for Africa Foundation occupies one of the five seats reserved for Allies.