The Commission held meetings with government representatives and NGOs across Africa to discuss regional approaches and challenges in tackling modern slavery and human trafficking.

A powerful visit to Maisha Girls Safe House highlights the challenges facing survivors

The Commission visited Maisha Girls Safe House which provides temporary shelter to girls under 18 years old who are survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking. Commissioners heard powerful testimony from survivors about the gap between policy and implementation and the importance of legal support to secure justice.

African representatives share national and regional perspectives

A Commission meeting brought together representatives from various African countries. Attendees shared valuable insights, including:

• Highlighting the need for renewed prioritisation of the issue on the international agenda.

• Sharing successful approaches in legislation, victim support, and international collaboration.

• Understanding the importance of tackling the root causes of vulnerability to slavery and trafficking.

• Recognising poverty, lack of education, and social injustice as key drivers.

• Discussing challenges like victim identification, law enforcement, and empowering communities.

• Examining the impact of international business practices on vulnerable populations.

• Acknowledging the sensitivity of the term 'modern slavery' while emphasising its use as a term which covers exploitation that occurs within as well as across borders.

NGOs offer grassroots expertise

The Commission met representatives from African NGOs working on modern slavery. Key takeaways included:

• The vast underreporting of modern slavery, highlighting the need for improved data collection with grassroots organisations.

• Prevalent issues like child labour, domestic servitude, and exploitation in agriculture and fishing.

• The importance of social protection, education, economic empowerment, and community-led interventions.

• Challenges such as limited resources, inflexible frameworks, and a disconnect between national policy and local realities.

• The disconnect between the aims and understanding of international bodies and the experience of victims and survivors and those supporting them on the ground.

• The critical role of empowering survivors and ensuring their voices are central to policy and advocacy.

The Commission's meetings in Nairobi provided valuable perspectives both from national governments and from those working directly with affected communities. These insights will help to shape recommendations in the Commission's report which will be published next spring.