Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 29 July 2024

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

“Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking”

30 July 2024

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.

Children account for one-third of trafficking victims, suffering unspeakable abuse – whether they are forced into labour, 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 and allow traffickers to exploit victims across borders.

The physical and psychological scars of these crimes persist long into adulthood, robbing them of their innocence, futures and fundamental rights.

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.

I call upon governments, civil society, and the private sector, including tech companies, to intensify their efforts and collaboration so that no child is victimized and no trafficker goes unpunished.

On this day, let us renew our commitment for a future where every child is safe and free.

***

UNODC

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE

UNODC Executive Director’s Message

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

30 July 2024

Human trafficking leaves deep scars.

And when the victims are children, those scars can come to define the rest of their lives.

This year’s theme for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons focuses on child victims, which have tripled over the past 15 years.

According to UNODC data, children account for more than a third of victims detected globally, and in some regions, they constitute the majority.

Poverty, conflict, climate change, and inadequate parental support are leaving too many children, easy prey for traffickers.

And once trafficked, they endure horrific abuse.

They are forced to work under horrendous conditions in sweatshops, on farms, and construction sites.

They are made to beg on the street, commit crime, or work as domestic servants.

They are recruited as child soldiers, while others are trafficked as they attempt to flee the shadow of war.

And many, particularly girls, face gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and forced marriage.

Meanwhile, digital technologies are enabling exploitation, with artificial intelligence generating thousands of images of child sexual abuse.

Last year, the United Nations policy forum on human trafficking, ICAT, called for united action to end child trafficking.

Now we must heed that call, by stepping up responses and working across all sectors of society, including governments, the private sector, tech companies, schools, healthcare, and social workers.

As a mother and a grandmother, I want to leave behind a world where no child is exploited, trafficked, or abused.

Let’s work together to make the world safer for all children

UNODC

MEDIA ADVISORY

Commemorating jointly! “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2024”

"Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

At Kohinoor Hall, Marriott Hotel, Islamabad – Tuesday, July 30,  2024 at 10:45 AM

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), International Labour Organzaiton (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are oganising a joint event on 30th July 2024 in Islamabad to commemorate the ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons”  at Kohinoor Hall, Marriott Hotel, Islamabad at 10:15 AM. 

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30th, aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and promote the protection of victims' rights. This year's theme, "Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking," emphasizes the urgent need to address child trafficking and labor issues. This event seeks to bring together key stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to combating human trafficking, with a special focus on protecting children from exploitation.

The primary objectives of the event are to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of child trafficking and labor in Pakistan and to highlight the collaborative efforts and commitments of various organizations in combating human trafficking. Additionally, the event will shed light on national partners and stakeholders that are making significant contributions to the fight against human trafficking in Pakistan.

H.E. Mr. Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Minister of Interior and Narcotics Control, Government of Pakistan, has kindly consented to attend the event as the Chief Guest. More than 100 delegates including senior government officials, law enforcement officers, leads of civil society organizations, heads of the corporate/private sector organizations, INGOs, the media, academia including Universities, UN agencies and others, are expected to join in commemorating the TIP Day 2024.

We cordially invite you to join the event and provide media coverage on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 10:15 AM at Kohinoor Hall, Marriott Hotel, Islamabad 

For more information, kindly contact Ms Rizwana Rahool, Advocacy and Communications Officer via

0301-8564255 and/or rizwana.rahool@un.org