On July 30th, we join the global community in commemorating World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights, with children being among its most vulnerable victims. In fact, the theme this year is: “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking” which reminds us of children’s increased vulnerability to trafficking and urges us to accelerate our efforts to safeguard children from this crime.
Why World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is Important
Human trafficking affects millions worldwide, with children making up a significant proportion of the victims. Considering that the proportion of children among identified trafficking victims has tripled over the past 15 years, the need to raise awareness and take action is more critical than ever. One in three victims of trafficking is a child, facing exploitation for forced labour, sexual exploitation, and recruitment into armed groups. Those who experience trafficking rarely self-identify. The consequences are devastating, often leading to enduring physical and emotional harm.
Traffickers exploit various forms of vulnerability, including poverty, lack of education, family dysfunction, and lack of parental care. In regions affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters, and economic instability, such as sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and Latin America, cultural and socio-economic factors exacerbate children’s vulnerability, putting them at an even higher risk of being trafficked. In developed countries, traffickers exploit online platforms to target and groom children. This day urges collective action, informed by robust social research and advocacy, to protect children’s lives and support survivors.
The Role of Research and Advocacy
To effectively combat child trafficking, understanding its root causes, prevalence, and sustaining dynamics is crucial. This is where research plays a vital role. Data helps identify crucial trends such as an observed increase in trafficking with an increased displacement of people, addresses poverty and other root causes of trafficking, and uncovers new ways traffickers are targeting children online. By studying these emerging patterns and conducting comprehensive studies into victim and trafficker profiles, researchers identify risk factors, assess impact, and inform policy with evidence-based insights, shaping effective intervention measures and anti-trafficking programs.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons also acts as a call to action for increased advocacy efforts. By increasing awareness, we can help extinguish misconceptions about human trafficking and encourage the implementation of protective measures instead. A global problem requires a global response. Advocacy encourages collaborative efforts among governments, NGOs, and stakeholders to mobilise policy changes and create a united front against trafficking. Advocacy is wider than criminal justice and particularly survivor-led models of advocacy emphasise the rights of survivors.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect vulnerable children from the horrors of trafficking. Through global collaborations in awareness-raising, supporting and giving a voice to survivors, and advocating for change, we can unite in our efforts to safeguard children and support survivors, ensuring that no child is left behind in this critical fight.
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