United Nations

A21 is a global non-governmental organisation (NGO) with offices in 19 locations in 14 countries, dedicated to combatting human trafficking using a three-pronged operational strategy: prevention and awareness, intervention, and aftercare. A21's prevention and awareness programs focus on preventing human trafficking through education, awareness campaigns, and general prevention efforts targeted to specific vulnerable groups, as well as the general public. Intervention efforts include operating national human trafficking hotlines in Greece, Bulgaria, and South Africa; child advocacy centers in Thailand and Cambodia; and facilitating the identification of potential victims of trafficking, often through partnerships and active support of government efforts. A21’s Aftercare programs have been developed following extensive research into best practices in aftercare services around the world, to provide a holistic approach to empower survivors with the support and necessary tools to reach wholeness and independence. A21 also facilitates access to justice for survivors receiving direct aftercare services from A21. Varying degrees of A21's operational programs are offered depending on the office location. A21 assists in the repatriation of any survivor of human trafficking anywhere in the world.

A21 has participated as a breakout speaker at UNODC’s Regional Expert Group Meeting (REGM) on ‘Fostering Cooperation between the Public and Private Sector to Counter Trafficking in Persons in Asia-Pacific’ which took place virtually on 24-25 March 2021. A21 has also participated as a moderator for a breakout session for UNODC’s Regional Expert Group Meeting (REGM) on ‘Fostering Cooperation between the Public and Private Sector to Counter Trafficking in Persons in Africa’ which took place virtually on 23-24 June. A21 is also working with UNODC Mexico on counter-trafficking awareness efforts, and anticipates working with other UNODC chapters along this same vein.

A21 regularly engages with government entities, other NGOs, and private entities in its work to combat trafficking in a collaborative manner.