Event Info
Where: Kathmandu, Nepal
When: 08. April 2026 - 22. April 2026
Hosted by: Freedom in Disasters
In Collaboration with: AATWIN, Elevate Programs International, Sunita Foundation, Chhori, Shakti Samuha, Community Experiences
Communities and Experts Unite to Prevent Human Trafficking in Disaster Contexts
Global Action for Freedom 2026 is an international initiative bringing together organisations, practitioners, and communities to prevent human trafficking in disaster contexts.
Taking place in April 2026, the initiative connects global and local actors through a series of coordinated events in Kathmandu, alongside worldwide community-led participation. The program is designed to raise awareness, strengthen collaboration, and support practical actions to address trafficking risks that emerge in times of crisis.
Disasters often create conditions that traffickers exploit. In the aftermath of earthquakes, floods, and other crises, displacement, economic hardship, and weakened protection systems can leave people vulnerable to exploitation. Freedom in Disasters works to ensure that disaster response efforts recognise and address these risks so that recovery does not become an opportunity for traffickers.
Through Global Action for Freedom 2026, individuals, organisations, and communities around the world are invited to participate in activities that raise awareness and support practical solutions to prevent trafficking in disaster situations.
Global Action for Freedom 2026 also marks the launch of the International Standard for Counter Human Trafficking Programming in Disasters — the first global framework guiding governments, humanitarian organisations, and practitioners in preventing and responding to trafficking risks in disaster settings.
Communities, practitioners, and institutions are invited to participate, whether through global awareness activities, professional collaboration, or attending events in Kathmandu.
The initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation, mobilise public awareness, and support the development of practical tools to prevent human trafficking in disaster contexts.
Become a Global Action Host
Join a worldwide movement by organising local walks, hikes, or awareness activities. Fundraise, share your story online, and connect your local action to a global effort to prevent human trafficking in disaster contexts.
Become a Freedom Hiker|Kathmandu
Participate in a flexible 5km community hike and networking event in Haatiban forest. Walk at your own pace, engage with local organisations, and help raise awareness and funds in a welcoming, natural setting.
Become a Solo Freedom Advocate
Take action on your own or with friends. Walk, host, fundraise, or share your story online to raise awareness of human trafficking in disaster contexts. Every action contributes to a global movement.
Become a Freedom Sponsor
Attend the official launch of the first global framework addressing trafficking risks in disasters. Connect with government representatives, practitioners, and stakeholders, with potential live coverage to reach a global audience.
Join the International Standard Launch
Attend the official launch of the first global framework addressing trafficking risks in disasters. Connect with government representatives, practitioners, and stakeholders, with potential live coverage to reach a global audience.
Practitioner Workshop (by invitation only)
A workshop for humanitarian organisations, NGOs, and experts to further work on the International Standard. Collaborate on field tools, including a counter-trafficking toolkit and real-time risk-sharing strategies to strengthen disaster response.
Together, these activities connect community engagement with practitioner collaboration and international policy development. The aim is to strengthen global awareness while advancing practical tools and partnerships that help prevent human trafficking during disasters.
Participants around the world are encouraged to support the initiative by organising local awareness activities, contributing to fundraising efforts, and sharing messages that highlight the risks of human trafficking in disaster contexts.
By working together across communities, organisations, and sectors, Global Action for Freedom 2026 seeks to promote a future where disasters do not create opportunities for exploitation but instead become a catalyst for stronger protection and collective action against modern slavery.
To download our event flyer and/or find out more information please click here.