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 In 2001, SHI established the War Against Trafficking Alliance (WATA) to coordinate regional and international efforts combating sex trafficking. The lead partners of the Alliance are: The Protection Project of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Shared Hope International, International Justice Mission and Salvation Army U.S.A.
WATA is held together by a common desire for justice and freedom, and a commitment to seek strategies for intervention and restoration for victims of international trafficking and the sex industry. We are declaring war on trafficking and mobilizing a coalition of committed individuals, organizations and institutions in defense of those held captive.
 WATA primarily focuses on gathering leaders at events held around the world. These events are designed to educate local workers, increase public awareness, and develop local strategies for progress in the war against trafficking.
In January 2003, we held our first World Summit, where representatives from over 114 nations gathered in Washington DC to focus on comprehensive efforts to eradicate sex trafficking. The World Summit was followed by six “Next Steps” conferences held around the world. These conferences allowed child advocacy and sex trafficking experts to train government leaders in establishing and enforcing sex trafficking laws in their countries.
The goals of WATA events are specific to each country, considering local progress made in the fight against sexual slavery and trafficking. International events have taken place in the United States, Dominican Republic, India, Indonesia, Moldova, Singapore and South Africa.
(For more information on past WATA events, view the WATA Archives)
In countries such as Moldova, where we held our first conference in November 2003, government and non-government groups continue to use methods that culminated from our training.
Our 2005 conference in Singapore gathered an unprecedented number of government officials, law enforcement workers, prosecutors, and social service providers from 12 countries. After this event, Child Sex Tourism (CST) legislation was raised in Parliament, and the Minister of Home Affairs agreed to look into the proposed CST. In March 2006, Singapore became one of the first Asian countries promising to amend its law to prosecute citizens who have sex with minors overseas.
Also, five advocacy groups have formed in Singapore, including Victims Outreach, Restoration and Livelihoods Development, Legislation and Advocacy, Public Outreach & Media Communications, and Information and Resource Network. These advocacy groups are moving forward with national delegates on coordinated strategies to prevent sex tourism and trafficking, and to rescue and restore victims.
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U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division |
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U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons |
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The Protection Project of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies |
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International Justice Mission |
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American Embassy Chisinau |
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Government of Moldova National Committee on Combating Human Trafficking |
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International Organization for Migration (IOM) |
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OSCE |
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UNICEF |
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Center for Prevention of Trafficking in Women (CPTW) |
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Alliance Against the Trafficking of Women, Teenagers and Children in the Dominican Republic |
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COIN |
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Commission Against Abuse and Sexual Exploitation. |
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ILO-IOEC |
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Bombay Teen Challenge |
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USAID |
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Ministry of Women Empowerment Republic of Indonesia |
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Batam Government |
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International Catholic Migration Commission |
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American Center for International Labor Solidarity |
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The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa |
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SOCA Unit |
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South African |
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Law Reform Commission Organized Crime Unit, Dept. of Home Affairs |
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UNIFEM Singapore |
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Women Make A Difference (WMD) |
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Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) |
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Yayasan Mitra Kesehatan dan Kemanusiaan (YMKK) |
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