Joint Statement by UNODC and Nadia Murad

Vienna, 17 September 2024 - After more than eight years of dedicated work and commitment as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nadia Murad is moving on to pursue new challenges. 

A Nobel Laureate and a survivor of kidnapping and sexual violence by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or Da’esh), Ms. Murad was the first-ever survivor of atrocities to be named a United Nations (UN) Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. Whether it be at meetings of the UN Security Council, General Assembly, Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice or elsewhere, Ms. Murad has consistently used her unique voice and powerful influence to advocate for tangible support and justice for survivors of human trafficking.

Ms. Murad will continue to engage more broadly in advocacy efforts around human rights issues and in advancing the fight against conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and human trafficking. Her commitment to the issues addressed by UNODC remains steadfast.

“With her survivor-centric approach, Nadia Murad has played an instrumental role in amplifying the needs and voices of human trafficking survivors on the global stage,” said Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC. “We are extremely grateful for her dedication, courage, and the profound impact she has had on survivors during her time with UNODC. We look forward to exploring new ways to mobilize action against human trafficking together in the future.”

Reflecting on her time serving as the first-ever Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking at the UNODC, Ms. Murad said: “While I have decided to step down from this role, I will continue advocating for human rights issues and to strengthen the fight against conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). I am grateful to the dedicated staff at UNODC for their commitment to fighting human trafficking and for their support during my time in this role. As the world faces numerous challenges and conflicts, it is our collective duty as global citizens to hold those in power accountable. We must continue our fight for a more just and equitable world and work toward sustainable solutions, as over 110 million people remain displaced and in refugee camps.  

Through my work at Nadia's Initiative, I will continue to advocate tirelessly for justice, human rights, the dignity of survivors, and the rights of women and girls worldwide."