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New York, NY —FREEDOM Ministry Director Rev. Protopresbyter Dr. Peter J. Spiro participated in high-level United Nations sessions this week as member states adopted a renewed Political Declaration under the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. Also in attendance was Harry Parks, Program Coordinator of the GOARCH Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations, representing the Archdiocese within the UN’s interfaith engagement efforts.
The updated declaration reinforces a global commitment to preventing exploitation, supporting victims, and strengthening justice systems across borders. While many member states endorsed the Political Declaration, the U.S. and some other countries did not support certain paragraphs due to substantive disagreements with the content and intent of those sections. A full copy of the U.S. Statement at the High-Level Meeting can be found here.
Delegates reaffirmed that trafficking remains a transnational crime requiring unified action, especially in addressing online exploitation and technology-driven recruitment. They also highlighted root causes such as poverty, conflict, gender-based violence, and limited access to education. The declaration promotes long-term prevention strategies grounded in economic empowerment, education, and reliable data.
A strong survivor-centered focus was reaffirmed, with member states stressing early identification, trauma-informed care, safe housing, healthcare access, and legal assistance. The continued role of the U.N. Voluntary Trust Fund was highlighted as essential to helping victims rebuild their lives.
The sessions further called for strengthened investigative and judicial cooperation under the U.N. Trafficking Protocol to dismantle criminal networks and ensure survivors can safely pursue justice.
The meetings also underscored the importance of broad partnerships among governments, civil society, survivor-led organizations, technology partners, and faith-based groups. During these sessions, Fr. Peter connected with numerous NGOs and faith-based organizations and looks forward to collaborating with them in future anti-trafficking efforts.
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