The International Day of Trafficking in Persons is observed on July 30th each year. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and promoting the protection of the rights of trafficking victims. Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights and a form of modern-day slavery. It involves the illegal trade of humans for the purposes of forced labour, sexual exploitation, or other forms of exploitation. This crime can happen to individuals of all ages, genders, and nationalities, and it is perpetrated by traffickers who exploit vulnerable people for profit.
In 2020, for the first time, the number of victims detected globally decreased. This change in trends could be the result of three distinct factors affecting especially low and medium- income countries during the pandemic. These are:
Lower institutional capacity to detect victims, fewer opportunities for traffickers to operate due to Covid-19 preventive restrictions, and some trafficking forms moving to more hidden and less likely to be detected locations.
Some Findings of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2022 show that:
Most victims are self-rescued – they manage to escape and reach out to the authorities on their own initiative. Fewer cases are initiated by law enforcement, members of the community and civil society. This constitutes an alarming result considering many victims of trafficking may not identify themselves as victims.
Conflicts increase the number of victims of trafficking exploited within and outside crisis areas. The refugee emergency in Ukraine is elevating risks of trafficking for the Ukrainian displaced population. The 2014 conflict in Ukraine quadrupled the number of Ukrainian victims detected in Western Europe in 2016.
Climate change is increasing vulnerability to trafficking in persons by acting as a stress multiplier.
- Crop loss- Weather-induced disasters can lead to economic vulnerability to trafficking in persons.
- Climate-induced migration increases vulnerability to trafficking. In 2021, 23.7 million people were internally displaced by weather-induced natural disasters while many others crossed borders to escape climate-induced poverty.
Analysis of court cases shows that female victims are subjected to physical or extreme violence at the hands of traffickers at a rate three times higher than males, while children are subjected to physical or extreme violence at a rate almost two times higher than adults.
Some Reasons are Given for the Importance of the Day
Raising Awareness:
- Global Attention- The day serves to bring global attention to the issue of human trafficking, highlighting the severity and widespread nature of the problem.
- Public Education- It educates the public about the methods traffickers use, the forms of exploitation involved, and the signs of trafficking to watch for.
Victim Support:
- Rights and Protection- The day emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of trafficking victims and ensuring they receive the support and assistance they need.
- Empowerment- It also focuses on empowering survivors, giving them a platform to share their stories and experiences, and advocating for their rights and dignities.
Policy and Action:
- International Cooperation- The day fosters international cooperation and encourages countries to collaborate in efforts to combat trafficking.
- Legislation and Enforcement- It underscores the need for effective legislation and law enforcement to prevent trafficking and prosecute perpetrators.
Advocacy and Prevention:
- NGO and Community Involvement- Non-governmental organizations and community groups play a crucial role in advocacy, prevention, and victim support efforts. Soroptimist can assist in this regard.
- Preventive Measures- The day promotes preventive measures, such as education, poverty alleviation, and addressing the root causes that make individuals vulnerable to trafficking.
Highlighting Realities:
- Data and Research: It encourages the collection and dissemination of data and research on trafficking, which is essential for understanding the scope of the issue and developing effective strategies to combat it.
- Personal Stories: Highlighting personal stories of survivors brings a human face to the issue, making it more relatable and urgent to address.
How can Soroptimists Help?
Raising Awareness
- Education Programs- Soroptimist can develop and implement educational programs to inform communities about the dangers of human trafficking, how to recognize the signs, and how to protect themselves and others.
- Public Campaigns- Organizing public awareness campaigns through media, social platforms, and community events to highlight the realities of trafficking and promote vigilance.
Advocacy
- Policy Change: Advocating for stronger laws and policies to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute traffickers. This can involve lobbying governments and working with other advocacy groups.
- Global Partnerships- Collaborating with international organizations, NGOs, and local governments to create a unified front against human trafficking.
Collaboration and Networking
- Partnering with Other Organizations- Working with other anti-trafficking organizations to share resources, knowledge, and strategies.
- Networking- Building a network of stakeholders, including law enforcement, social services, and healthcare providers, to ensure a coordinated response to trafficking.
Human trafficking is a complex and multifaceted crime that requires a comprehensive approach to prevent and combat, including strong legal frameworks, victim support services, and global cooperation. Overall, the International Day of Trafficking in Persons is a crucial observance that mobilises efforts across the globe to combat human trafficking, support victims, and create a world where human rights are respected and protected for all by leveraging its network, resources, and expertise, Soroptimists can make a substantial impact in the fight against human trafficking and in supporting the victims of this crime.
by Debra Joseph- Soroptimist International Barbados