Building a Future Free from Child Trafficking: A Collaborative Effort!

By working together, we can build a future where no child is subjected to the horrors of trafficking and every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment," emphasized Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on Rights of Child (NCRC). "We have to act fast to ensure that no child is left behind," she added.

In an unprecedented collaborative effort, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), alongside the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), came together to commemorate World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2024 in Islamabad. The event, held under the global theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” highlighted the collective commitment to protect children and reduce their vulnerability to trafficking.

“Children are particularly vulnerable of trafficking for several reasons, including poverty, lack of access to education, humanitarian crises or lack of support networks”, said Uqbaan Khan, one of the student while talking to FIA in the margins of the commemoration of the TIP Day. Many passionate students from the National University of Moder-in Languages (NUML) Rawalpindi shared powerful messages to raise awareness. Their voices added a vibrant and inspiring dimension to the day's activities, emphasizing the urgency of protecting children from trafficking. https://fb.watch/tFBvdM8EIV/?mibextid=w8EBqM

Approximately 100 participants from across Pakistan joined to discuss the urgent issue of child trafficking and emphasize the protection of children’s rights. Children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims globally, with girls disproportionately affected. Rising inequalities and globalization have fueled complex trafficking networks, further exposing children to exploitation via online platforms.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of child trafficking in Pakistan while highlighting the collaborative efforts of various organizations. National partners and stakeholders were recognized for their significant contributions to combating human trafficking.

Ms Shahida Gilani read the message of UNODC Executive Director , “This year’s theme focuses on child victims, which have tripled over the past 15 years. According to UNODC’s data, globally, children account for one-third of trafficking victims, suffering unspeakable abuse.”

While the Director ILO emphasized the urgent need to combat human trafficking, particularly its impact on children. “With 3.3 million children trafficked worldwide, it is crucial for state systems to adopt integrated approaches that prioritize child protection”, the Senior Programme Coordinator at IOM, highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships and improved migration management.

The Executive Director of SSDO and the Head of Office at ICMPD both emphasized the need for a systematic approach to victim identification and support. They highlighted the importance of increased prosecutions, better labor inspections, and enhanced public awareness to effectively address and prevent trafficking. They also underscored the necessity of collaborative frameworks to combat human trafficking, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that no child falls through the cracks and that every child is protected from exploitation and harm.

As the main stakeholders in the efforts by international agencies and civil society, government representatives Director General FIA Mr. Ahmad Ishaque Jahangir (PSP) and Abbas Ahsan, Additional Director General of FIA, spoke on the TIP Day. Director General FIA added, “Human trafficking, particularly child trafficking, is a serious human rights violation that demands our unwavering attention and action. Our work is significantly enhanced through collaboration with our esteemed partners.” And “Our society and law enforcement must acknowledge what constitutes trafficking, its prevalence in Pakistan, and its impact on children,” emphasized Additional Director General, underscoring the serious nature of child trafficking.