Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women

GAATW sees the phenomenon of human trafficking as intrinsically embedded in the context of migration for the purpose of labour.

Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women

Critical Analysis of Criminal Law Approaches to Trafficking in Persons: A report of the consultation

GAATW and our allies played a key role in lobbying for an internationally recognised definition of trafficking, yet from the outset we were wary of an exclusively crime control approach. Over the years, we have continued to note with frustration that although the criminal law framework is so invested in punishing the traffickers, the actual results of those efforts are not very encouraging.

Now twenty-five years after the UN Trafficking Protocol entered into force, it is an appropriate time for us to reflect in depth on the criminal law approach to trafficking. Whilst GAATW has long pointed out the negative impacts of this approach, we have not looked outside the criminal law or questioned what alternatives might exist.

Read more

Critical Analysis of Criminal Law Approaches to Trafficking in Persons: A report of the consultation

GAATW and our allies played a key role in lobbying for an internationally recognised definition of trafficking, yet from the outset we were wary of an exclusively crime control approach. Over the years, we have continued to note with frustration that although the criminal law framework is so invested in punishing the traffickers, the actual results of those efforts are not very encouraging.

Now twenty-five years after the UN Trafficking Protocol entered into force, it is an appropriate time for us to reflect in depth on the criminal law approach to trafficking. Whilst GAATW has long pointed out the negative impacts of this approach, we have not looked outside the criminal law or questioned what alternatives might exist.

Read more

Crisis in Care: Migrant Workers and Ageing Societies in Japan and South Korea

As more and more countries confront the challenges posed by ageing populations and evolving family structures, there is an increasing reliance on migrant workers to fill essential roles within the care sector. However, state programs often categorise this form of labour as low-skilled and temporary, providing limited labour protections and exacerbating the precariousness faced by migrant workers.  

This working paper examines how care work is defined, structured, and governed in Japan and South Korea, and how these frameworks shape the experiences of migrant care workers. It unpacks the demographics driving the demand, the policies and pathways governing migrant labour for care work, and the difficult working conditions that result from the devaluation of care. It also emphasises the crucial role of civil society in offering support and broadening its advocacy for migrant rights. 

Read more

Crisis in Care: Migrant Workers and Ageing Societies in Japan and South Korea

As more and more countries confront the challenges posed by ageing populations and evolving family structures, there is an increasing reliance on migrant workers to fill essential roles within the care sector. However, state programs often categorise this form of labour as low-skilled and temporary, providing limited labour protections and exacerbating the precariousness faced by migrant workers.  

This working paper examines how care work is defined, structured, and governed in Japan and South Korea, and how these frameworks shape the experiences of migrant care workers. It unpacks the demographics driving the demand, the policies and pathways governing migrant labour for care work, and the difficult working conditions that result from the devaluation of care. It also emphasises the crucial role of civil society in offering support and broadening its advocacy for migrant rights. 

Read more

GAATW Statement for the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 30) on 10-21 November 2025

COP 30 comes at a time of increasing global injustices. Genocide, escalating and unmet humanitarian needs from conflict and climate change, and persistent economic inequality are among them. We also face serious challenges to multilateralism, and the willingness of Global North countries to take their fair share of climate responsibility. However, COP being held in Brazil this year creates a sense of hope that backsliding on climate ambition can be stopped and reversed. Turning words into action for migrants and displaced people affected by climate change is a critical component of achieving a meaningful outcome in Belém.

Read more

GAATW Statement for the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 30) on 10-21 November 2025

COP 30 comes at a time of increasing global injustices. Genocide, escalating and unmet humanitarian needs from conflict and climate change, and persistent economic inequality are among them. We also face serious challenges to multilateralism, and the willingness of Global North countries to take their fair share of climate responsibility. However, COP being held in Brazil this year creates a sense of hope that backsliding on climate ambition can be stopped and reversed. Turning words into action for migrants and displaced people affected by climate change is a critical component of achieving a meaningful outcome in Belém.

Read more

Brigada Callejera

Brigada Callejera (Brigada Callejera de Apoyo a la Mujer “Elisa Martínez”) is a non-governmental organisation that has been working with sex workers in Mexico since 1995. Brigada offers education and many other services to help sex workers find dignity in their work, and develop the skills to find other work. Brigada specialises in the defence of human rights and labour rights of sex workers.

Brigada Callejera helps sex workers form cooperatives and gain access to medical care, while distributing condoms and working to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Brigada also has a "board" (patronage) and "outside counsel" made ​​up of specialists in health, public policy and journalism. One of its objectives is to promote community mobilisation of sex workers, its customers and partners against trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Contact Details:
Address: Calle Corregidora 115-204, Col. Zona Centro, del. Venustiano Carranza, Distrito Federal, México 15100
Tel: +52 55 55427835
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://www.brigadaac.mayfirst.org 
Facebook: facebook.com/brigadacallejera

Resources

Publications

Feminist Knowledge Building

Statements

Advocacy and Influencing

Multimedia

Strategic Communications

Get Involved!

Join our Call for Papers for the bi-annual Anti-Trafficking Review Journal, write to atr@gaatw.org
Get the latest updates from GAATW-IS and our members by subscribing to our E-Bulletin!
Follow us on social media              
get involved get involved

Contact

gaatw@gaatw.org
Tel: +66 2 864 1427/8, Fax: +66 2 864 1637

Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW)
191/41 Sivalai Condominium, 33 Itsaraphap Road, Bangkok 10600, Thailand

Who We Are

History
Principles
The Team

More info

What we do
Members
Resources

Get Involved

Join GAATW

© 2026 GAATW. All Rights Reserved.