United Nations(UN)’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is annually observed across the globe on 30th July to create awareness about the situation of the victims of human trafficking and to promote and protect their rights.
The theme of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2021 “Victims’ Voices Lead the Way”, highlights the importance of listening and learning from the survivors of human trafficking.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/68/192 on 18th December 2013 and proclaimed the 30th July of every year as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
ii.The first World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was observed on 30th July 2014.
Efforts of UN:
UNVTF for Victims of Human Trafficking:
i.United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund(UNVTF) for Victims of Human Trafficking was established in 2010 within the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, in line with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.
ii.UNVTF for victims of Human Trafficking is managed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The Blue Heart Campaign:
i.The Blue Heart Campaign is a global awareness-raising initiative that combats human trafficking and the impacts of human trafficking on society and builds political support to fight against the criminals behind trafficking.
ii.The blue hear represents the sadness of the victims of human trafficking and remains the cold-heartedness of the traffickers.
Human Trafficking:
i.Human trafficking is a crime involving the trade and exploitation of people for profit.
The UNODC’s report “2020 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons” compiled from the data from 148 countries stated that women are the primary targets of Human trafficking.
ii.Around 50% of the victims of human trafficking were trafficked for sexual exploitation and 38% were exploited for forced labour.
iii.Women victims account for more than 46% and girls account for 19% of all victims of trafficking.
iv.The number of children among the trafficking victims has tripled and the share of boys increased by 5 times in the past 15 years.
About United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):
Executive Director- Ghada Waly of Egypt
Headquarters- Vienna, Austria
