Report by Gazmir Memaj, Project Manager, Mary Ward Loreto Youth

Main objectives of the meeting:
– Finalise and adopt the strategic plan for 2016-2020.
– Discuss possible ways for evaluating the Network.
– Plan the 2016 Anti-Trafficking Conference in Africa.
– Promote networking and sharing of experiences among the participants, including the use of Baobab.
– Empower affiliates in advocating at national and international level and in existing human rights mechanisms.
– Present the topic ‘’Human trafficking in conflict situations’’ and discuss further action.
 
Introduction
This was an international meeting of a global network against Human Trafficking, which took place in Paris from the 9^th-11^th of November, 2015. Fifty five people were present from thirty three countries worldwide. Members represented the following:

• Caritas Internationalis
• National Caritas (Albania, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, India, Kenya, Kongo, Kosovo, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey)
• USCCB (United States Council of Catholic Bishops)
• Anglican Alliance
• Papa Giovanni XXIII Community (Italy and Belgium)
• CCEM (Comité Contre l’Esclavage Moderne) NGO
• Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.
• Medaille Trust, UK
• IOM (International Organization for Migration)
• Mary Ward Loreto Foundation

 
Methodology
The first two days included inputs from panel and work in groups.
The third day covered the presentation of the group’s work; training on the use of the members’ e-platform called Baobab; the election of the Steering Group and the closing remarks.
Full text available here: Report from the Biennial Meeting of the COATNET Affiliates, France, November 2015