These days, human trafficking has become a widespread crime and the most lucrative business in every part of the world for those traffickers, who line their pockets at the expense of others.
Despite the concerted efforts by global agents to stop this terrible crime, human trafficking remains a pressing global challenge that disrupts the lives of millions.
Especially, the number of innocent children, young girls, and youth who are deceived by the deceitful mouths and blatant promises of traffickers and falling into the traps is increasing incessantly. In turn, the problem continues to affect millions of individuals, mainly, women, girls, and children worldwide.
According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (UNODC) on Trafficking in Persons globally, one in three victims of human trafficking is a child. Furthermore, children are twice as likely to face violence, during trafficking, than adults.
Regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean bear a disproportionate burden, with children making up 60% of detected trafficking victims.
Consequent to the seriousness of the issue, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 30 as “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to raise awareness, combat this growing widespread crime and urge for accelerated action to end child trafficking.
Lately, July 30, 2024, this year’s International Day Against Trafficking in Persons was marked under the theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”.
In his message regarding the day, Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, said “Human trafficking is a horrific crime that targets the most vulnerable in our societies. On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we focus on the most vulnerable among us – children.”
Mentioning that children account for one-third of trafficking victims, he said that children face unspeakable abuse – whether they are forced into labor, sold off as brides, recruited as soldiers, or coerced into criminal activities.
Rising inequalities and globalization have fuelled complex trafficking networks that challenge traditional legal frameworks, creating new forms of slavery. Online platforms further expose children to sexual exploitation and gender-based violence; allowing traffickers to exploit victims across borders, he added.
“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.”
The Director General also urged governments, civil society, and the private sector, including tech companies, to intensify efforts and collaboration so that no child is victimized and no trafficker goes unpunished. “On this day, let us renew our commitment to a future where every child is safe and free,” he remarked.
IOM Director General, Amy Pope, also said that this year’s theme, “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”, highlights the critical need for inclusive and focused efforts to protect children.
As to her, inequitable social, economic, environmental, and political factors foster exploitative and discriminatory practices.
Combating trafficking in persons must remain an international priority with responses tailored to each country’s context, following a whole-of-society approach and considering the complex interplay of individual, community, and societal factors that impact children.
The International Organization for Migration, alongside partners, is committed to facilitating pathways for regular migration, saving lives, and protecting people on the move, while driving solutions to displacement, as outlined in its Strategic Plan, she reaffirmed.
“By working together, we can create a safer world for all children and ensure that no child is left behind.”
BY ELIZABETH MENGISTU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 3 AUGUST 2024
