End human trafficking

Human trafficking is a crime that exploits women, children and men for numerous purposes including forced labour and sex. Article 3, paragraph (a) of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons elaborately defines Trafficking in Persons. Every country, either as a country of origin, transit or destination for such victims, is affected by this crime.  In accordance with an estimation of The International Labour Organization 21 million people are victims of forced labour globally. This estimate also includes victims of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons children make up almost a third of all human trafficking victims worldwide. In addition to that, women and girls comprise 71 per cent of human trafficking victims, the report states.

In 2010, the General Assembly adopted the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. This Plan calls for integrating the fight against human trafficking into the UN's broader urging Governments worldwide to take coordinated and consistent measures to defeat this scourge. One of the crucial provisions in the Plan is the establishment of a UN Voluntary Trust Fund for victims of trafficking, especially women and children.

In 2013, the General Assembly held a high-level meeting to appraise the Global Plan of Action. The World Day against Trafficking in Persons was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/68/192. In pursuance of this resolution, member States designated July 30 as the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. This resolution declared that such a day was necessary to “raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.”

In September 2015, the world adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and embraced goals and targets on trafficking in persons. These goals call for an end to trafficking and violence against women and children.

Another important development is the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants, which produced the groundbreaking New York Declaration. Of the nineteen commitments adopted by countries in the Declaration, three are dedicated to concrete action against the crimes of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Compiled by Law Desk (Source: un.org)