Vienna. 03 February 2011. The first steps toward the establishment of a UN-led 'Small Grants Facility' for victims of human trafficking were taken today in a move aimed at strengthening on-the-ground assistance to survivors of this brutal crime. A public call will be made over the coming months through the UNODC website.
The provision of these financial grants is an integral component of the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking which was established by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in late-2010.
Announced by the 5-panel expert Board of Trustees during their inaugural meeting in Vienna from 1 - 3 February, the Small Grants Facility works toward financially supporting grassroots organizations at the forefront of providing victims services.
Following it's formation in November, the Trust Fund has received nearly US$ 1 million in donations from the public and private sector.
"The Trust Fund affords people the world over the opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of trafficking victims. Individuals, companies and Governments can all play a part. Each and every contribution, big and small, will make a difference in the life of someone who has been trafficked. I ask you to generously consider supporting this fund as we move to help rebuild lost lives", said Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director.
The 5 members of the Board of Trustees appointed by the Secretary-General are:
For further information please contact:
Media Enquiries:
Kevin Town: UNODC
T: (+43-1) 26060-5575 | M: (+43-699) 1459-5575 | E: kevin.town@unodc.org
Trust Fund and Small Grants Facility Enquiries:
Tuesday Reitano: UNODC
T: (+43-1) 26060-5116 | E: victimsfund@unodc.org
For more information on the Small Grants Facility, please regularly visit the Blue Heart Facebook Group or the UNODC website at www.unodc.org/humantraffickingfund.
