Palermo to Practice - Global Leaders Reflect on the Fight Against Human Trafficking 25 years on

(CEO of Arise, Ian Sweet, moderating the International Conference on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery on Wednesday, 10 December 2025 )

Marking 25 Years of the Palermo Protocol

The International Conference on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery was held at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, bringing together global leaders to reflect on both progress made and challenges that remain in the fight against human trafficking. The conference marked 25 years since the adoption of the UN Palermo Protocol, a milestone international agreement that continues to shape global anti-trafficking efforts.

Why the Palermo Protocol Still Matters

Adopted in 2000, the Palermo Protocol is a cornerstone legal instrument in the global fight against human trafficking. It supplements the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and aims to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, with particular emphasis on women and children.

Importantly, the Protocol did not emerge in isolation. It consolidated and strengthened decades of international commitments, including the 1930 Forced Labour Convention, numerous International Labour Organization conventions and protocols, and foundational human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Twenty-five years on, it remains the primary global framework guiding prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts worldwide.

A Truly Global Conversation

The conference was jointly organised by the Order of Malta, Praeveni Global, and the Pontifical Gregorian University, reflecting the cross-sector collaboration required to tackle trafficking in all its forms. Arise was honoured to take part, with Ian Sweet, CEO of Arise, invited to moderate the conference discussions.

Speakers and delegates included representatives from international organisations, government, law enforcement, business, civil society, faith institutions and diplomatic missions. Participants joined from across Australia, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, Central America, North America, the Caribbean, South Asia and the Middle East, highlighting the truly global nature of both the crime and the response.

Looking Ahead

As trafficking networks adapt and exploit economic vulnerability, displacement and weak regulation, the discussions in Rome served as a reminder that legal frameworks alone are not enough. Sustained political will, ethical leadership, survivor-centred responses and practical prevention strategies remain essential if the promise of the Palermo Protocol is to be fully realised.