30 July 2015 marked the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Day aims to raise awareness around human trafficking and provide everyday people with a way to show solidarity with the victims most affected by this crime. This year, the UNODC is encouraging people across the globe to take part in the #igivehope campaign and share it with their friends, families and communities.
At any given time, an estimated 2.5 million people are trapped in modern-day slavery. Men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers both in their own countries and abroad. Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims.
While humans are trafficked for many reasons, including forced labour and domestic servitude, many children are trafficked for sexual purposes. This crime happens in every country in the world and affects children from all walks of life. According to the UNODC, globally nearly a third of all human trafficking victims detected are children, but in some regions this percentage is far higher.
ECPAT works to stop child sex trafficking through advocacy, research and action. It works to build collaboration amongst local organisations and the broader child rights community. ECPAT groups are involved in the implementation of various anti-trafficking initiatives to protect children at local levels, while the Secretariat provides technical support, research and information. It also represents and advocates for children at the international and regional level on behalf of the network.
ECPAT joins in this call to end human trafficking and stands in solidarity with its victims.
For more information, go to endHT.org and join the #igivehope campaign to show your support.