OUR JOURNEY INTO TOMORROW INAUGURAL 2020-2022
International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council
Dear ISTAC Members,
The conviction
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to transform lives is not a journey to be taken alone.
Dear ISTAC Members, There is a right time for everything—a time for every purpose. On December 1, 2020, I became a member of the inaugural OSCE/ODIHR International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council. And in July 2021, I will be stepping down as your Chair. Please know that as a member and as the inaugural ISTAC Chair, I have cherished each day of my tenure. Together, on January 25, 2021, we launched the International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council via live broadcast, with approximately 4,000 people from around the world in virtual attendance. Accolades poured in from world leaders, world governments, NGOs, survivor leaders and victim-survivors. Yet, the launch was merely an introduction to our work, not the entirety of our work. Even though, prior to January 25, we had facilitated the successful delivery of 90% of the ISTAC leadership training modules (in three languages) for council members, there were greater accomplishments to realize. Between January 25 and June 30, 2021, 50% of ISTAC members allocated personal time to educating individuals affiliated with international agencies. We shared our hard-earned knowledge at world events and with organizations, such as — • The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 65 • Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking (ICAT) • Conference on Addressing Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking: German and International Perspectives • Trends and Challenges in Addressing Human Trafficking in Central ASIA: Civil Society and Survivor Perspectives We peer-reviewed subject matter policies and reports and provided feedback, guidance and advice based on our collective years of experience and insight into traffickers, trafficking organizations, and the design and function of their operations. Regarding the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) Handbook, the eyes, fingerprints, and contributions of the ISTAC will be forever etched upon this critically important offering. Several council members contributed to the peer review process, and three of you appear on the cover. Indeed, I was honored and privileged to write the Foreword to the Handbook. In their totality, our contributions support the promotion of this global effort to create a new and more accurate legislative, policy and governance response to victim-survivors by OSCE’s 57 partnering States. I have given thoughtful prayer and consideration to the season now before us—your wellbeing and future opportunities and my role as the ISTAC Chair. And because I know that questions will be asked, I have provided answers to some of the more likely ones: 4
Q: Was the Chair asked to transition from her position? A: The answer is no. The decision to transition is my own and is based upon several pressing factors. Please know that I did not make my decision lightly. Q: What does this mean for the ISTAC? A: The answer is multifaceted. ISTAC must continue to function with transparency, accountability and integrity in honor of its bond of trust with victim-survivors and those who made significant financial contributions for its creation. A choice in the operation of the ISTAC must be made: (1) continue to utilize best practices in effective organization building and construct a solid foundation, supported by responsible thought and guidance, appropriate infrastructure, and deeply embedded accountability principles for the creation of an effective and resilient Council—such as the approval of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures policy; or (2) forego proven methods for the sake of generating the optics of addressing the issue, but, in essence, effecting little to no impact on the issue of trafficking in human beings. Q: Is the Chair leaving for another appointment? A: The answer is no. I am transitioning from the appointment because I have finished my leg of this race. And it is time to pass the baton to the next leaders who will showcase their knowledge, skills, leadership qualities, and results-producing abilities. Together, we have made great progress—despite a pandemic, civil unrest and an inability for in-person gathering. I honor you, ISTAC, our work, and your journey into tomorrow. I am living in anticipation of the day that we inhabit a world where vulnerable adults and all children— regardless of race, nationality, gender identity, economic status or geographical territory—are cherished, protected and free from the risk of being victimized by the modern-day slavery of human trafficking.
Thank you for the honor and high privilege of serving as your ISTAC Chair. Sincerely,
Lisa C. Williams, Inaugural ISTAC Chair www.lisacwilliams.com
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OUR JOURNEY. OUR COUNCIL. OUR LEGACY. The Lisa C. Williams Human Trafficking International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council Donation Fund (“ISTAC Donation Fund”) was established at Boston University on June 19, 2021, in tribute to the 21 inaugural ISTAC members’ transformative leadership and their commitment to advocating for (a) the prevention of gender-based violence and human trafficking; (b) the protection of victim-survivors’ rights; and (c) the prosecution and conviction of those who perpetrate human trafficking. This Fund also commemorates Juneteenth National Independence Day, a newly-commissioned U.S. federal holiday. Juneteenth, which has been celebrated by African Americans for more than 150 years, denotes the occasion of June 19, 1865, in Texas, when the last enslaved Blacks were informed that legalized slavery in America had been abolished and that they were free— more than two years after President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Honoring all survivor leaders’ lived experiences, the global work, philanthropy and legacy of the ISTAC members, and acknowledging their individual and collective efforts to eradicate trafficking in human beings—our modern-day slavery, the ISTAC Donation Fund is divided among four of Boston University’s 17 colleges: · · · ·
Boston Boston Boston Boston
University University University University
School of Law; – Boston Medical Center; Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies; and College of Fine Arts.
Ms. Williams’s financial donation leverages Boston University’s vast educational infrastructure, leadership, programs and services, several of which counter human trafficking by safeguarding victim-survivors’ human dignity and rights.
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Laurent Ziegler Austria
Kendall Alamo USA
Trisha Baptie Canada
Mariaam Bhatti Ireland
Zita Cabais France
Daniella De Luca Spain
Jerome Elam USA
Marina Gorbunova Uzbekistan
Regina Lee Jones Norway
Angelina Kurdenok Russia
Diane Martin UK
Ronny Marty USA
Timea Nagy Canada
Sandra Norak Germany
Mercy Obade Denmark
Itohan Okundaye Finland
Malaika Oringo Netherlands
Bukola Oriola USA
Shandra Woworuntu USA
Hyab Yohannes UK
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“When we support the growth and leadership development of survivors, we open ourselves to the possibility of becoming a world in which trafficking ceases to exist. Self-empowering opportunities allow survivors to move beyond the trauma of their lived experiences towards a greater understanding of their worth and ability to become life-affirming contributors to society.”
Lisa C. Williams ISTAC Chair
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June 19, 2021 Dear Lisa, Thank you for your generous and thoughtful support for Boston University. In particular, thank you for advancing the understanding and eradication of human trafficking through education, research, art, training, and practice. Through your support of programs of great importance and impact, you pay tribute to the mission and critical work of the OSCE/ODIHR International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC). We thank you for your four (4) financial contributions commemorating Juneteenth and paying homage to the inaugural 21 ISTAC members. You will receive an acknowledgment specific to each school. I share this note to thank you for your support in its entirety and to share my thanks for your ongoing support of the causes meaningful to ISTAC, BU, survivors, and to advancing humanity. Thank you!
June 19, 2021 Dear Lisa, I was just informed about your generous gift to our program. It is such a terrific surprise. I really cannot thank you enough. You continue to be such a leader and inspiration within the field, for me and so many others, and it is so moving to have your support as we continue to serve survivors. Thank you for your continued dedication and engagement with our program. I hope our paths cross soon, and please do not hesitate if you are ever in Boston. Thank you again, and please stay in touch!
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June 19, 2021 Dear Ms. Williams, Thank you so much for your contribution to the School of Medicine. Your inaugural Juneteenth gift on behalf of the 21 members of the International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Board (ISTAC) is incredibly meaningful, and will assist our team in better serving Boston’s immigrant communities with their health care and wellness needs. Many thanks once again for thinking of BUSM, along with Law, Pardee and CFA at BU. We are so appreciative.
June 19, 2021 Dear Lisa, Thank you so very much for this wonderful gift to the Pardee School! As one of the newest schools at BU we are so appreciative of each donor that helps us to achieve our mission of Advancing Global Human Progress in the variety of ways our faculty approach the world. Our Initiative directors will be thrilled to hear of the support and will use the gift thoughtfully to move their efforts forward. On behalf of the Pardee School, thank you for your support of both the School and Boston University. Have a wonderful week!
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“Dismantling the shackles of human trafficking and exploitation requires not only the renewing of our collective minds, but also our collective wills —to commit, with an uncommon and unified hope, to the task before us —to harness the awesome power of our collective survivorship to liberate the young and the vulnerable from slavery, seek justice for their abuse, and hold their abusers accountable for their crimes.”
Lisa C. Williams ISTAC Chair
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help victims’ faces be seen and voices be heard
support and enforce anti-trafficking legislation
create a better world for the next generation
strong commitment is crucial
give voice to child victims
ensure freedom… for all people
listen with patience, make food, ensure respect
my story is not unique (sadly)
step out of the shadows
gain justice for victims and survivors
be a beacon of hope
promote equitable policies and programs for migrants
start the hard conversations
develop solutions
no one offers to be a slave
disrupt the chains of supply and demand strive for a future of togetherness
use my voice to tell the truth
I carry your words with me. Lisa C. Williams ISTAC, Chair
we cannot end human trafficking without engaging survivors
create opportunities to love unconditionally