Trafficking Networks Are Global. Our Response Must Be Too.

Strengthening cooperation between African and Asian partners to combat trafficking for forced criminality. Mechelle B.J. Moore, CEO of Global Alms Incorporated, recently participated in the Regional Summit on Trafficking in Persons in Eastern Africa, hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Office for Eastern Africa in partnership with Atlas Free from 16–18 February 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya.

The summit convened government officials, civil society organisations, survivor leaders, and specialists from across Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa to strengthen regional coordination in the fight against human trafficking. Participants included national Trafficking in Persons coordinators and anti-trafficking focal points from Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Mechelle attended the forum as a Transnational Crime Specialist and was invited to serve as a panellist on “Forced Criminality within Cyber Scam Operations”, a rapidly growing form of trafficking where victims are coerced into committing online fraud and other criminal activities.

During the summit, discussions highlighted the evolving nature of trafficking networks, including cyber-enabled exploitation, domestic servitude, and increasingly organised cross-border criminal operations. Participants explored ways to strengthen victim identification systems, enhance trauma-informed support for survivors, and improve international collaboration between law enforcement agencies in Africa and ASEAN nations, while also strengthening regional cooperation between governments and civil society organisations to better prevent trafficking and protect victims.

The summit underscored the importance of regional dialogue and cooperation as trafficking networks continue to expand and adapt. Strengthening intelligence sharing, survivor protection frameworks, and coordinated responses across borders remains critical to effectively preventing trafficking and supporting victims.

In response to these growing challenges, Global Alms Incorporated continues to develop integrated approaches to combating human trafficking. This includes victim recovery operations, specialised case management, and cross-border case coordination, alongside survivor-centered reintegration pathways that support victims in rebuilding their lives after exploitation. The organisation also contributes to capacity building and policy engagement aimed at strengthening responses to cyber-enabled trafficking and forced criminality.

Global Alms Incorporated is grateful to contribute to this important regional dialogue alongside partners including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Atlas Free.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.atlasfree.org/news/atlas-free-partners-with-the-united-nations