Today, 30 July, marks the first ever United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons. The day aims to raise awareness for the issue of human trafficking among the general public, policy makers and civil society. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Day provides an opportunity for the world to act to end this crime and show solidarity with its victims.
Every year millions of men, women and children are trafficked. 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 2012 UNODC Global Trafficking in Persons Report, 27 percent of all victims of human trafficking detected globally between 2007 and 2010 were children.
ECPAT works to stop child sex trafficking through advocacy, research and action. It works to build collaboration among 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.