Becoming a GAATW Member

New members are always welcome in the Alliance. If you are a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting a human rights based approach to trafficking and/or other related issues such as migration, labour rights, or women's rights, GAATW's membership is open for you.

Adherence to GAATW's Basic Principles is the first criteria for the membership. However, apart from the information which the organisation provides and the advice we receive from our members and friends in the same country or region, GAATW-IS does not have any other mean to verify the position/politics of the organisation. Moreover, many member organisations work on issues that go well beyond the Secretariat's area of expertise. As such, the statement from a member does not automatically carry endorsement of the Secretariat. However, any advocacy statement released by GAATW through the IS undergoes a process of consultation with members and allies.

CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

• Membership is open only to organisations.
• Member organisations must be working explicitly on human trafficking and/or related areas of migration, migrant labour, women's rights or sex workers' rights in at least one of the following areas: policy and advocacy, research, direct assistance, prevention.
• Member organisations must be non-governmental.
• Member organisations must adhere to GAATW's Basic Principles 
• Member organisations must send the annual report of their work to the International Secretariat, to be made available to the whole Alliance.
• Members who are working in the same country or region may choose to produce a joint report of the anti-trafficking work in their country/region.
• Members, especially those who are working on other issues and are part of other human rights movements, are expected to make an effort to integrate trafficking issues into other movements and share this with other members.

TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP

A membership revamp is undertaken every three years. The main purpose of the revamp is to ensure that the organisation is still working on the relevant issues, wants to continue with the membership and the IS has correct contact details of the organisation.

PROCEDURE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MEMBERSHIP

• Membership applications will be handled and reviewed by the International Secretariat. Reference letters from existing members in the region or country may be requested as reference of the applicant's engagement/work in the region or country.
• After four weeks the organisation will be informed about the status of their application via email
• Acceptance of new members in the Alliance would be mentioned in the quarterly e-bulletin and a short organisational profile would be uploaded on the GAATW website.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Member organisations are expected to:

• Share news of their activities with the whole Alliance, directly or through the International Secretariat.
• Share knowledge, experiences and successful methodologies with other members.
• Contribute to the implementation of GAATW's common strategic plan by participating in projects on specific themes.

RIGHTS & PRIVILEGES

Member organisations can:

• Participate in GAATW's triennial International Members meeting.
• Nominate candidates for the International Board.
• Receive GAATW's regular publications free of charge (a postage fee may be charged.).
• Be apprised of GAATW's functions and activities and receive preferential access to participate.
• Access GAATW resources including, research and campaign tools.
• Receive technical support on issues on the international level and conceptual clarity.

TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

• Termination of membership can be initiated at any time. If a member decides to terminate, a written notification must be sent to the GAATW-IS.

Termination can also be initiated by the International Secretariat/Board Members for the following reasons:

• The use of the GAATW's name in the endorsement, support or defence of any position, document, material or work product not officially sanctioned by GAATW.
• Representation by Member Organisation that its affiliation with GAATW makes it eligible for any funding support without prior consent by GAATW.
• Any action, public commentary or published statement attributed to GAATW that is contradictory to the mission, objectives and policies of GAATW (listed on our website).

Procedure to be followed for termination of membership initiated by the IS/Board Members:

• Prior notice to the Member Organisation of GAATW's intent to terminate membership and to bring the matter to the attention of the IS/GAATW Board.
• Written notification from the IS of the grounds for termination.
• Opportunity for the Member to respond prior to the matter being brought before the Board.
• Opportunity for member to appear before the GAATW Board to discuss their prospective termination from GAATW's membership.
• The Board makes the final determination on termination of membership and its decision cannot be appealed to any other body or entity.
• Decision is communicated to the organisation.

If you would like to become member of GAATW, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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