The day is observed annually on July 30th to raise awareness about horrific crime that targets the most vulnerable in global societies.
The United Nations Secretary-General has already announced his thoughts on the upcoming ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’…and his focus this year is on children.
The day is observed annually on July 30th to raise awareness about horrific crime that targets the most vulnerable in global societies.
The Secretary-General, António Guterres, shared that children account for one-third of trafficking victims and that they ‘suffer unspeakable abuse – whether they are forced into labour, sold off as brides, recruited as soldiers, or coerced into criminal activities’.
“Rising inequalities and globalisation have fuelled complex trafficking networks that challenge traditional legal frameworks, creating new forms of slavery”, said the Secretary-General. “Online platforms further expose children to sexual exploitation and gender-based violence and allow traffickers to exploit victims across borders.
“The physical and psychological scars of these crimes persist long into adulthood, robbing them of their innocence, futures, and fundamental rights.
“We must strengthen protection responses – including child-sensitive justice mechanisms, raise awareness, support unaccompanied children on the move, provide care for survivors, and tackle the root causes of exploitation by helping vulnerable families.”
He calls upon governments, civil society and the private sector, including tech companies, to intensify their efforts and collaboration so that no child is victimised, and no trafficker goes unpunished.
“On this day, let us renew our commitment for a future where every child is safe and free,” he added.
Afterall, this year’s theme is to “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”.
