International Conference - Breaking the Chains: Evidence-Based Strategies in the Fight Against Trafficking

Place:3 Kalistrate Kutateladze St., Tbilisi, Georgia

Dates: 21–22 May 2026
Venue: Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University, Tbilisi, Georgia

Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University is pleased to announce the international conference “Breaking the Chains: Evidence-Based Strategies in the Fight Against Trafficking.” The conference is organised by Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University in association with the International Consortium for Research Excellence in Trafficking in Persons and the Netherlands National Police.

The conference is designed as a platform for academic and professional dialogue on what actually works in preventing and combating human trafficking. Grounded in evidence and lessons learned from research, policy, and practice, the event seeks to move beyond purely normative discussions and instead focus on approaches that demonstrate measurable impact.

Human trafficking persists due to complex and interconnected dynamics — including vulnerability of victims, migration pressures, labour exploitation, and organised criminal structures. The conference will therefore bring together scholars, practitioners, policy-makers, and civil society representatives to exchange knowledge and critically assess existing responses.

In addition to attendance, participants are invited to submit academic papers for presentation and discussion.

Conference Topics

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• victim identification and assistance, including early detection, referral mechanisms, rehabilitation, and long-term reintegration;
• prevention strategies, including community-based interventions, awareness-raising initiatives, and approaches addressing root causes and vulnerability;
• targeting traffickers and organised crime, including law-enforcement models, cross-border cooperation, and criminal justice responses;
• policy and systemic approaches, including national strategies, international legal frameworks, and multi-stakeholder coordination;
• measuring impact, including methodologies and indicators assessing effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability of anti-trafficking interventions.

The conference also aims to foster cross-sector dialogue and to examine both successful practices and existing gaps in counter-trafficking responses.

Publication

Selected conference contributions will be considered for publication in a peer-reviewed academic publication following the conference. Further details regarding the publication venue and editorial process will be communicated to authors after the event.

Submission of Abstracts

Researchers and practitioners wishing to present at the conference should submit an abstract by 31 March 2026 to:

u.bakhtadze@sabauni.edu.ge

Authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to submit full papers.

Recommended article length: approximately 10–15 pages

Technical and formatting requirements are available at: https://journals.sabauni.edu.ge/index.php/olr/guideline  

Further practical information regarding participation and registration will be announced in due course.