East and Horn of Africa Anti-Trafficking (EHAAT) Network

Earlier this month, network members convened in Kampala, Uganda, for a three-day Resource Mobilization Strategy Workshop focusing on strategies for securing our long-term sustainability. The event was organized by Freedom Collaborative, Inc. and supported by the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme, which is coordinated by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and funded by the EU and Germany. Participants worked on three key goals: translating strategic priorities into actionable funding needs, identifying and framing impactful success stories, and developing a resource mobilization plan. Highly participatory sessions allowed CSO representatives to contribute examples and insights, fostering a sense of collective ownership and a shared vision for EHAAT’s growth. On the final day, participants concentrated on developing a concrete six-month action plan with details of activities, responsibilities, and timelines, ensuring accountability and allowing progress to be tracked. The plan outlines milestones for engaging stakeholders, launching fundraising campaigns, and evaluating success, and follow-up meetings will be held to gather feedback, review progress, and refine the strategy as needed. Read more in the latest newsletter from Freedom Collaborative: https://lnkd.in/em8eZvz4

EHAAT Network members in Juba participated in a three-day training program on survivor inclusion last week, focusing on ethical inclusion, security, and a trauma-informed approach. The training had previously been delivered in Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kampala and Hargeisa. Led by NGO Awareness Against Human Trafficking (HAART Kenya), the program enhanced participants’ capacity to engage and support survivors of trafficking and exploitation with sensitivity and professionalism, and ensure their voices are included without compromising their safety or wellbeing.   By helping embed survivor engagement into organizational culture, the training also empowered CSOs to create inclusive environments and implement long-term sustainable practices that center survivor perspectives, strengthening the overall impact and effectiveness of their anti-trafficking efforts. Developed from a needs assessment at a 2022 EHAAT Forum, HAART’s curriculum was funded by the European Union and Germany through the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme, which is coordinated by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Read more in the latest newsletter from our hosting organization Freedom Collaborative, Inc. https://lnkd.in/gH2-n736

Representatives from EHAAT are currently participating in the Africa Regional Review of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), taking place in Addis Ababa with the United Nations Network on Migration. This follows recent discussions among members on impactful region-specific recommendations to enhance the current response on migration policy. The sessions were facilitated by the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme – coordinated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and funded by the European Union and Germany – and included conversations with the Freedom Collaborative, Inc. Response to TIP for Forced Criminality working group, ensuring strong collaborative recommendations. These include enhancement of the critical role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in migration governance at national and regional levels, the recognition of CSOs as essential allies and partners in addressing migration challenges, and stakeholder collaboration with CSOs to address the root causes of migration. And, with forced criminality presenting a growing challenge in the East and Horn of Africa region, a dual strategy incorporating both security and victim-centered approaches is essential, balancing security concerns with a focus on protecting victims. Read more in the latest newsletter from Freedom Collaborative, our hosting organization:

We are pleased to report the success of our recent Regional CSO Forum, with more than 60 participants joining us in person or online. Members led joint workshops and engaged in open discussions to build consensus on our core strengths, in order to set out goals and priorities for the next phase of our work. The forum was facilitated by the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme, which is coordinated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and funded by the European Union and Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).   During these discussions, we identified three core competencies that have already resulted in effective and impactful outcomes: fostering alignment and mutual understanding among our diverse members; utilizing data and evidence to inform strategies; and strengthening the capabilities of all EHAAT members through knowledge sharing and best practices.   We now aim to harness these strengths in order to promote cohesive and context-specific interventions, enhance the effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts across the region, and ensure a more resilient and effective network, in line with our core mission and vision. Read more in this newsletter from our new organizing host Freedom Collaborative, Inc.