2024 year's World Day Against Trafficking in Persons campaign is held under the theme "Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking" and calls for urgent action to end child trafficking, highlighting that 1 in 3 trafficking victims globally is a child, with girls disproportionately affected. Children are twice as likely as adults to face violence during trafficking.
Children's vulnerability is heightened by crises such as armed conflicts, pandemics, and economic hardships, as well as the risks posed by online platforms. Traffickers use technology to exploit children, making detection difficult. Children are trafficked for forced labor, criminal activities, illegal adoption, armed recruitment, and sexual exploitation.
Root causes include poverty, migration, armed conflicts, dysfunctional families, and lack of parental care. Identifying and protecting child victims is challenging due to underreporting and inadequate resources. Effective measures are needed to combat child trafficking, including stronger legislation, law enforcement, and resources. Prevention should address root causes like poverty, and special attention must be given to children on the move.
Efforts must also focus on child protection systems, child-sensitive justice, and addressing online exploitation. Civil society, the private sector, and communities play a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for reforms.
As we approach the 10th World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2024, accelerating action to #EndHumanTrafficking is essential.
Join the campaignUNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia
Interview of UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia in the observance of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons