Thursday 30th July marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Trafficking is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad. Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims.
what is trafficking?
Trafficking is defined as is the process of trapping people through the use of violence, deception or coercion and exploiting them for financial or personal gain. Examples of this include sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.
30th July 2020
This year, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons will focus on the first responders to human trafficking. These are people who work to identify, support and seek justice for victims of trafficking, and seek the punishment of the traffickers.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the essential role of first responders has become even more important, particularly as the restrictions imposed by the pandemic have made their work even more difficult. The United Nations will share stories from first responders about their work in assisting victims, shining a light on their contributions to the fight against trafficking. The stories will also highlight how first responders remained committed during the pandemic.
Get involved by joining the conversation and using the hashtags #EndHumanTrafficking and #HumanTrafficking on all digital platforms. Share this blue heart on your social media, the blue heart represents the sadness of those who are trafficked while reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human beings. Click here to find out more about the Blue Heart campaign and how you can get involved.
did you know?
People are trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced begging, forced marriage; for selling children and as child soldiers, as well as for removal of organs;
Women make up 49% and girls 23% of all victims of trafficking; Sexual exploitation is the most common form of exploitation (59% share) followed by forced labour (34% share);
Most victims are trafficked within their countries’ borders – those trafficked abroad are moved to the richest countries.
If you have been bothered by the content of this blog, or if you would like to discuss trafficking and exploitation further, please get in touch with the Safe team today on 01903522966 or email headoffice@asphaleia.co.uk and ask to speak to a member of the Safe team. To find out more about our Safe project, click here.