UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for creating “a world where no one can ever be sold, bought, or exploited,” noting that global crises, conflicts, and the climate catastrophe heighten trafficking threats.
He described human trafficking as “a heinous violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms” in his statement for the Monday World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. According to the UN Secretary-General, this crime “preys on vulnerability and thrives in times of instability and conflict, with more and more people being targeted today.”
The Secretary-General stated that most of the victims who have been found are women and children, many of whom endure horrible sexual exploitation and torture as well as cruel assault and forced labor.”
“We must improve law enforcement to prosecute offenders who use human beings as commodities. And we must do more to support survivors in rebuilding their lives,” he continued, urging teamwork to “create a society where no one can ever be bought, sold, or exploited.”
More than 50% of cases of human trafficking are reported by the victims or their families, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) 2022 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. This is a concerning new trend compared to previous years, as authorities struggle to identify and protect trafficking victims.
The findings further show that while men and boys are increasingly being exploited for forced labor and criminal activities, women and girls—who make up about 60% of all detected victims—are more likely to experience sexual exploitation and higher levels of violence at the hands of their captors.
The UNODC-led campaign for the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023 aims to increase public awareness of the troubling recent trends and developments while urging governments, law enforcement, the public sector, and civil society to improve prevention, identify and assist victims, and put an end to impunity.
Numerous victims of human trafficking walk among us every day on street corners, at construction sites, in factories, and in other public places. Still, millions of them go unrecognized around the world. UNODC says this crime is so specialized that many victims cannot ask for assistance. The false assurances of traffickers bind victims because they have no legal standing in the country where they have arrived in pursuit of a better life.
In her video message for the Day, UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly stated, “Human trafficking is a crime that hides not just in the shadows but in plain sight.”
She urged stepping up efforts to reach every victim of trafficking, especially by enhancing detection, looking into cases, and bringing criminals to justice. Additionally, more must be done to find, help, and support survivors.
According to her, this can be accomplished by combining the efforts of all societal sectors, including law enforcement, social services, and healthcare. The UNODC chief continued, “The general public may also assist by reporting suspicious activities and services that may exploit trafficking victims, while the voice of civil society is vital in raising awareness and mobilizing and helping those in need. —APP
