Advocacy

At Footprint to Freedom, our advocacy efforts in the Netherlands are focused on ensuring that survivors of human trafficking are given a seat at the table in the decision-making process. Traditionally, survivors have only been involved in sharing their personal experiences to raise awareness, but we believe they should have a more integral role in shaping the policies that impact them.

Through our survivor-led network the African Survivor Coalition, we empower survivors to actively engage with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. We advocate for their inclusion in policy discussions, pushing for real change that reflects the needs and challenges they face. Survivors often deal with long-term effects such as PTSD, stigma, unemployment, and criminal records tied to their trafficking experience. Our goal is to not only amplify their voices but also shift perceptions—recognizing survivors as experts who can lead the fight against human trafficking.

As a result of our advocacy work, Footprint to Freedom has successfully influenced policies in the Europe and beyond, ensuring survivors' voices are heard and their needs are addressed.

Partnerships

We recognize that collaboration is essential to driving lasting change. In the Netherlands, we build strategic partnerships with organizations, government bodies, and advocacy groups that align with our mission to promote survivor-led advocacy.

These partnerships create platforms for survivors to engage directly with decision-makers, allowing their lived experiences to shape policies and practices. Through our collaborations, we have been able to amplify the voices of survivors, ensuring that they are at the forefront of efforts to combat human trafficking. Some of our partners include:

• International Forum for Understanding
• The Salvation Army Netherlands
• Fred Foundation
• Freedom Foundation

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