Submission to the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery
15 March 2021
The Commonwealth 8.7 Network and CHRI submitted a joint response to the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery’s call for inputs on the nexus between forced displacement and contemporary forms of slavery. The statement included input from 5 Network members representing Australia, Canada, Nigeria and Vanuatu. The response was published on the OHCHR website and will go on to inform the Special Rapporteur’s thematic report that will be presented at the 48th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The response addresses how the marginalisation and lack of protection afforded to displaced persons increases their vulnerability to contemporary forms of slavery. It also notes the employment challenges faced by displaced persons and how this increases their risk of exploitation. The response also highlights the heightened risk of displaced children and adolescents, particularly those who are unaccompanied.
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Each year, members of the 8.7 Network come together to discuss, debate, provide direction, share, exchange, and learn.
Learn more about what these meetings have achieved below.
What is the Commonwealth 8.7 Network AGM?
The Network’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) offers space for intra network interactions and networking, with the aim to foster relationships, partnerships and collaboration between all members. The AGMs held in 2021, 2022 and 2023 had the following specific objectives:
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Aligning and integrating network priorities: The AGM serves as a platform to align members’ regional level priorities with that of the Network including agreeing on strategic priorities for the Network globally
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Commonwealth 8.7 Network Three Year Strategic Plan: Members adopted a three-year strategic plan for the Network at the AGM in 2021. The strategy establishes clear goals and objectives for the Network including identifying collective action to further support victims and survivors, push for policy and legal changes, build capacity, and improve communications
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Assessing impact of the SDG Target 8.7 work: The AGM provided the space to monitor and evaluate the work of the Network. This review is vital in order to improve the effectiveness of our work to ensure our efforts to eradicate contemporary forms of slavery remains relevant and impactful
2023 AGM Highlights
Outcomes of the 2023 AGM
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Governance
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Members approved the appointment of a new Management Committee member for the Americas ‒ Kelly Beker of Cannabis Education Guild, Canada and a new Vice Chair of the Management Committee ‒ Smarita Sengupta ofDestiny Reflection, India
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Strategy
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Members discussed their needs aligned with the Network’s four strategic priorities: Member Engagement and Growth, Communications and Capacity Building, Advocacy and Awareness Raising and Partnership and Business Development
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Sharing and Networking
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Members shared knowledge and exchanged ideas on issues and themes of importance to their organisations
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Regional discussion groups were held in order to facilitate collaboration among members with others in their region
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Strategy
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Members reviewed progress on implementation of the Commonwealth 8.7 Network's three-year strategy
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Members discussed and developed plans to achieve strategic priorities relating to Member Engagement and Growth, Communications and Capacity Building, Advocacy and Awareness Raising and Partnership and Business Development. Members also identified areas of collaboration to ensure effective implementation of the three year strategy
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Sharing and Networking
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Regional discussion groups were held in order to facilitate collaboration among members with others in their region
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Members discussed emerging issues in their region and identified regional priorities for the coming year
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Outcomes of the 2021 AGM
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Governance
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Members adopted governance documents, including the Network Constitution and Management Committee terms of reference
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Members confirmed Management Committee members and the process for elections going forward
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Strategy
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Members adopted the Commonwealth 8.7 Network's new three-year strategy
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Members discussed and developed plans for implementing the strategy and identified areas for collaboration
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Operations
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Members reviewed the Commonwealth 8.7 Network's activities over the past two years
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The Commonwealth 8.7 Network's Secretariat and Management Committee presented activities for the coming year
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Sharing and Networking
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Members shared knowledge and exchanged ideas on issues and themes of importance to their organisations
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Regional discussion groups were held in order to facilitate collaboration among members with others in their region
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