The Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) congratulates Nadia Murad on her receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize. Ms. Murad, a UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking is the first survivor of trafficking to receive the prize. In addition to the powerful work she has done to raise awareness of trafficking, she helped establish a United Nations investigation into the crimes that she and others endured. Her activism is an inspiring example and an important reminder of the work that must be done to ensure that the voices of survivors and victims of trafficking and sexual slavery are heard and the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice. Her passionate, persistent, informed, and effective advocacy for victims of trafficking and sexual violence in conflict reflects the importance of survivor empowerment in combatting these crimes.
ICAT, to which UNICRI is member, advocates for the voices of survivors to be fundamental to all policy making and anti-trafficking initiatives. The work of survivors like Nadia should continue to be supported, strengthened and be at the center of all actions to prevent and respond to trafficking in persons.