Program of the day
Registration
Lobby area, Pontifical Gregorian University
Holy Mass (optional)
Chapel of the Pontifical Gregorian University
Greetings and introductory remarks
Panel I : Structure
This session will discuss the current structures aimed at preventing and responding to human trafficking and modern slavery. Given the increased prevalence of this crime and the many emerging threats, are these structures commensurate with these threats? Are they adequately resourced? Are the right actors sufficiently involved?
Question to consider for the panel: "Are the current structures to prevent and respond to human trafficking and modern slavery effective and working at the level expected of the 21st century?"
Coffee Break
Brief Address
H.E. Cardinal Fabio Baggio C.S., Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
Panel II : Process
Once the structures have been discussed and explored, what are the processes necessary for prevention, protection of victims and prosecution of perpetrators. With low levels of identification of victims and even lower rates of prosecution, who is winning, the criminals or those fighting human trafficking and modern slavery? What processes are needed to ensure that good prevails and the evil of human trafficking is in decline?
Question to consider for the panel: "How can a process meet the needs of victims, drive prevention and encourage governments and their agencies to see human trafficking and modern slavery for the damage it causes to individuals, communities and national security?"
Question to consider for the panel: "How can a process meet the needs of victims, drive prevention and encourage governments and their agencies to see human trafficking and modern slavery for the damage it causes to individuals, communities and national security?"
Lunch Break
Panel III : Law Enforcement - Rule of Law
This panel will be introduced by a Keynote addresses from the Honrable Pamela Bondi, Attorney General of the United States, and will examine the role of criminal justice in preventing human trafficking, prosecuting perpetrators, and protecting victims. What legal mechanisms and enforcement strategies are effective, and where are the gaps? How can law enforcement, judiciary, and related institutions act to ensure that justice prevails and trafficking networks are dismantled?
Question to consider for the panel: "How can criminal justice systems effectively prevent trafficking, deliver accountability for perpetrators, and safeguard the rights and well-being of victims, while strengthening the rule of law at national and international levels?"
Question to consider for the panel: "How can criminal justice systems effectively prevent trafficking, deliver accountability for perpetrators, and safeguard the rights and well-being of victims, while strengthening the rule of law at national and international levels?"
Panel III Bis : Law Enforcement - Rule of Law
This panel will examine the role of criminal justice in preventing human trafficking, prosecuting perpetrators, and protecting victims. What legal mechanisms and enforcement strategies are effective, and where are the gaps? How can law enforcement, judiciary, and related institutions act to ensure that justice prevails and trafficking networks are dismantled?
Question to consider for the panel: "How can criminal justice systems effectively prevent trafficking, deliver accountability for perpetrators, and safeguard the rights and well-being of victims, while strengthening the rule of law at national and international levels?"
Question to consider for the panel: "How can criminal justice systems effectively prevent trafficking, deliver accountability for perpetrators, and safeguard the rights and well-being of victims, while strengthening the rule of law at national and international levels?"
Panel IV : Persons
Human trafficking and modern slavery treat people (children, women, and men) as commodities for profit. Offenders exploit vulnerabilities to build businesses based on coercion and abuse, often with little interference. Protecting vulnerable people is crucial and require more than enforcement: it requires trust. What can be done to build greater trust?
Question to consider for panel: “After 25 years since the introduction of the Palermo Protocol services and support for victims remain poorly funded and can exacerbate trauma. Why are these crimes viewed differently from other crimes of exploitation and abuse?”
Question to consider for panel: “Less than one percent of victims are identified worldwide. Even when identified, access to justice and other rights remain low or even impossible. What are the systemic reasons for this failure, and what concrete changes are needed to ensure victims are recognized and supported?”
Tea Break
Panel V : Content
Currently, the list of responses to human trafficking and modern slavery mostly contains post-offending measures. The goal is to end these crimes. Identifying and supporting victims and survivors is crucial. However, how can we prevent these crimes if we wait for victims to come forward? What should the contents be for prevention, protection, and prosecution?
Question to consider for the panel: “What should the contents of a strategy or action plan include to deter offending, protect vulnerable people and communities from human trafficking, and ultimately lead to a decline in the prevalence of this serious crime of exploitation?”
Wrapping
Reception (on invitation only)
Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi, Via di Campo Carleo 23, Piazza del Grillo, Rome.